Mixed Bag Designs Review & HUGE Giveaway!

 I have loved Mixed Bag Designs since I first posted about them HERE.  In fact, Ashleigh has become addicted to them as much as I have. 

They are colorful, eco-friendly, versatile, lightweight and much more stylish and supportive than the typical store brand reusable bag (i.e. Publix bags).  I get compliments on them every time!

Now, everyone knows my life if hectic.  Let's see.....

• four year old child
• I work full time
• member of Junior League
• I blog and sew in my free time
• sitting on the board of our local children's museum
• facilitating a Bible study
• Lallie's dance classes
• Body Back workouts

It's a lot!  So, in order to stay organized and considering my car IS my office (my job has me traveling 50% of the time), I have bags to keep me organized.  They are all Mixed Bag Designs and I really should have taken a picture of my front seat because I have.....drum roll please.....

 FOUR TALL TOTES 

....in the front seat, one for each facet of my life.  And when I get to my destination, I grab the necessary bag and take it with me.  No disorganization here!

So, when Mixed Bag Designs asked me to do a review and giveaway of their bags, I absolutely jumped at the opportunity!  I chose five items in varying designs to give everyone an idea of colors and patterns.

First, and obvious, I chose a new Tall Tote to add to my collection.  I love the tall, but skinnier use of this bag.  It holds all my file folders and books perfectly without them falling over or getting bunched up.  And since, they are skinny, they all fit on my floor in the front seat without falling over or being squished.

Next I chose the Foodies.  Lallie loves these!  They are bright just like her personality and she loves eating her Annie's Bunnies or turkey sandwiches for school lunch or for snacks on-the-go.  Plus, just wipe them clean and their ready for another use!  She even stuffed some miniature princesses in them the other day to take to Church.

The Fold-N-Hold is a wonderful design.  For the car trunk, for the laundry room, for the craft room.  Perfect for keeping the necessities within reach without looking disorganized and cluttered.  I mean, who wants to look at a bunch of detergent bottles on top of the dryer?  But put them in a stylish Fold-N-Hold and the clutter doesn't look like clutter, but like a decoration!  And then you don't have to hide everything just to drag it back out when needed.  It's all right there at arm's length!

Next, I tried the Drug Store Bag.  Now, CVS is one of my absolute favorite places to shop but I do so sporadically here and there when they have a great coupon deal.  Which means, I don't need a large tote as I'm buying relatively little (and sometimes.....female sensitive.....).  The Drug Store Bag is the perfect size for small purchases while keeping sometimes sensitive items hidden from view.  So rather than getting asked by a clearly non-southern uneducated in manners person if it's "that time of the month" (which yes, this has happened to me...multiple times, sadly), I get complimented on "why, what a lovely bag!"  Much more desirable don't you think?

Last but not least, my absolute new favorite from Mixed Bag Designs - the Hold Everything tote.  Did you happen to notice the folded blue/brown bag in my Fold-N-Hold on my dryer?

Y'all, this bag is absolutely HUMONGOUS!  It holds three loads of laundry for three people, plus towels and still doesn't fill up!  It's perfect for the boat for holding beach towels because it's waterproof.  AND the best part....when you're done using it, it folds up to as small and thin as a piece of paper!  It weighs nothing!  So instead of lugging around three loads of laundry plus a heavy, bulky and awkward laundry basket, I can carry it all in one hand and pick up other clutter on the way!  Perfect for the efficient parent!

In this picture, I'm holding a couch pillow and throw in this bag and it's still not full!  It literally "Holds Everything!"

Like what you're hearing.....well, here's the giveaway.

Mixed Bag Designs is giving away one of my readers a $75.00 gift card to be spent on ANYTHING on the website!!   Want to enter?  Here's what to do:

Put each entry in a separate comment!  If you don't, your one comment will only be entered once!

1. Follow Southern Living: Preppy Style
2. Like Mixed Bag Designs on Facebook HERE
3. Tell me your favorite bag and design from Mixed Bag Designs
4. Post about this giveaway on your blog and link back here in a comment.
5. Announce this giveaway on twitter and link it back here in a comment.
6. Tell me how you would use your new favorite bag!  Get creative, we want to hear those ideas!

The giveaway will end next Friday, October 7th at 5:00 p.m. with the winner announced on the following Monday. 

If you can't wait until then to get a Mixed Bag, use the code "southern" in the coupon code box for FREE SHIPPING!  This code is only good through October 12th!

Happy Friday Y'all!

Birthday and Embroidery

Yes, my birthday was Saturday!  Nay thirty-something birthdays.  Yay birthdays!!  It was a great day starting out with breakfast in bed from Lallie and Husband and then being allowed to veg in bed until 9 am.  It was fabulous.  Husband waited on me hand and foot and I didn't have to clean a thing! 

We went to Home Depot and bought all of our seeds and plants for the garden (see another post later this week about that).  We watched the Clemson game (go Tigers!) and then watched that other game where my team lost their rear ends.  (Hmph....moving on.)  My neighbor, Kim, made me mojitos which she refuses to give me the recipe for...they are so yummy and perfect.  I restrict myself to one (okay, two glasses filled to the rim with ice, they are strong.)

And then our friends came over for dinner, sans-kiddos.  We put Lallie to bed at normal time, and then hung out by the pool all night watching my team lose their rears hmph....moving on again.....while eating the seared tuna, broiled asparagus and baked mini potatoes my friend made for dinner.  It was fantastic.  We'll leave the part about them being Gator fans unspoken.

I got two pictures of the whole event.  The cake made by Husband and Lallie and the gorgeous flowers sent to me by Ashleigh. 

SO YUMMY!!!

The single pink rose is Lallie's :-)

So, what did I get for my birthday.  A new sewing and embroidery machine!! Yippee!! 

Husband was all worried about buying me something that plugs into the wall and sometimes I do think I would rather be surrounded by Lilly and Tory Burch packages.

...... {pause and insert "ahhhhhh....Tory.....ahhhh.....Lilly...."}.....

....but not this year!  I chose the new machine and didn't look back.  So pleased and happy with it!

Poor Lallie....she's going to be embroidered and monogrammed for the rest of her life.  It's like the label machine Husband bought me several years ago.  I labeled everything short of the kitchen sink (I do recall actually labeling Husband's name on his forehead ....as a joke.....no really!)

I can't wait to do a review on the machine.  I've completed one applique and one embroidered outfit, but still working out the kinks.  But here are some of the style Lallie will be fashioning over the coming season, all from Etsy shops.  Have fun browsing!

"Gobble, Gobble, Gobble" from Monogram Font Store

 

UK pattern from My Itty Bitty Design

The following three patterns are from Shabby Chic Now

These last two are from Joyful Stitches

Happy Tuesday Y'all!

....go with the {fashion} flow!

After all these years in South Florida, swearing I would never wear white, open toe shoes or halter top/tube tops after Labor Day....I finally broke the stride. 

All these years, I've been thinking:

• you live in South Florida
• it's still 90 degrees out
• we don't have fall weather (or winter for that matter)
• South Floridians don't have to adhere to the rules

Yet, I haven't ever swayed that I can remember (okay...maybe on the open toe shoes, but flip-flops don't count right?) 

Well, Friday night, Husband and I headed out to a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of America.  The event was held outdoors on the water with probably 500 people.  And it was hot and humid!  Underneath the tents, everyone was sweating....but having a fantastic time (and I took absoltely ZERO pictures!  Bad Jennifer!)

Knowing the event was outside and it would be hot, I wore a Lilly halter, J. Crew capris and Stephen Bonanno Sandals (notice my HUGE $9.99 CVS Pink Sparkly Sunglasses....love them!)

I felt weird and extremely self conscious as I left the house thinking that absolutely no one going to this party would break the stone-age fashion rules.  I was thrilled when we showed up at our friend's house (with whom we were riding to the event) and Gaby was wearing white capris, Jack Rogers and a Lilly shirt as well!  Shoooooo.....felt much better.

Arriving at the event, I clearly had nothing to worry about.  Maxi dresses, tropical outfits, tube tops, halter tops and lots and lots of Lilly were present at the event.  I should have known!  Right?  I mean, it was VERY hot out there and fall fashion just doesn't make it's debut in South Florida until at least Halloween.  So, from now on, I'm not worrying with the fashion stereotypes surrounding Labor Day and just going to...

....go with the {fashion} flow!

Stay tuned this week for lots more fun.....my birthday recap and a absolutely FANTASTIC giveaway and review!  You won't want to miss it!

Two spots left at my table for the Preppy American Brunch celebrating Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau's 80th Birthday.  Let me know if you're interested.  SLPreppy@gmail.com.

Happy Monday Y'all!

Revenge and Lilly Pulitzer

Did anyone else notice the Lilly Pulitzer dresses on the show Revenge last night?

Emily Thorne's (actually Amanda Clarke) childhood character was seen wearing a Lilly Grettle bathing suit in one scene and the Shorley Blue Paint By Numbers Little Lilly in another scene with her father.  She was also spotted wearing the Let the Eat Cake Lolly dress.  If I'm not mistaken, I also believe I saw a couple of Lilly dresses at the Grayson's Memorial Day fundraiser party.

What do these clothing choices say about Revenge....it is the newest preppy-socialite sitcom of the season and I'm hooked!  It's as if one of my socialite novels came to life on my television screen and I am loving it!  With betrayal, revenge, love and vengeance all playing out on the shores of the Hamptons, this new show is bound to take twists and turns as we delve into Emily's (or is it Amanda's) past.  After all she did grow up in the Hamptons, but no one, not even Victoria Grayson, dubbed "Queen Victoria" knows this is the long lost child of her former neighbor.

  

Husband even enjoyed it and I think he understands why I couldn't put down The Overnight Socialite 

or Social Lives.   

___________________________________________________________________
 

In other news and while we're on the subject of Lilly.

Now that I'm going to Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau's Birthday Brunch with several lovely ladies (hopefully some of you), I'm starting to think about what I'm going to wear!  There are so many adorable Lilly dresses and not knowing whether it's going to be blazing hot or slightly cool (and cool to South Florida is chilly 75)....I just don't know!  Here are my current favorites.



Augusta Dress via Lilly Pulitzer



Ava Dress via Lilly Pulitzer

I just love the Multi Casting Call print (in below dress and skirt).

Ros\lyn Skirt via Lilly Pulitzer



Bianca Dress via Lilly Pulitzer



So many choices!  Thank goodness I have a couple months to decide

(*cue Husband saying "and you're going to pay for these 'how?'"*)  Heehee.....

Happy Weekend Y'all!

I'm GOING to the Preppy American Brunch: Lilly's 80th Birthday

If you're part of the "Lilly Blog Circle" then you already know about Lilly Pulitzer's 80th Birthday Brunch to benefit the Museum of Lifestyle and Fashion History located in Delray, Florida. 

BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN AND SEE PICTURES OF SOME OF THE EXHIBITS. 

If not, well here are the details surrounding the Preppy American Brunch!

First and most important.....

 I am attending!!!

I'm so excited and can't wait to be among other Lilly lovers for a day of fun, fashion and philanthropy! 

_______________________________________________ 

The lovely Birthday Brunch Committee ladies, Barbara Malone, Lisa Stuart and Mary Lane, contacted me to announce this to all my fabulous blog following ladies in hopes some of you will be able to attend. Of course, for anything Lilly, I am thrilled to do so!

The lovely ladies, Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau and Mary Lane (event chair).

Per Barbara Malone, Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau will be in attendance and she fondly spoke of prior engagements with the guest of honor: 

"{Lilly Pulitzer}....is so lovely and gracious.  It was honestly the thrill of a lifetime to meet and chat with her.  She was so thrilled to see everyone dressed in Lilly."

Lilly enjoying a past brunch.

Details

November 12, 2011

Museum of Lifestyle and Fashion History

Delray, Florida

11:45 a.m.

*Gift bags, fashion show, silent auction and a special surprise from Gordon of In the Pink*

Click HERE for more information regarding tickets, sponsorships and table purchases.  Also, become of fan of the Preppy American Brunch on Facebook HERE.

*Myself and several of my Lilly loving friends are attending and I will be purchasing a table very soon.  If you are interested in attending and sitting with us, let me know!  We'd be thrilled to have fellow Lilly-loving bloggers in which to share

this amazing day!* 

Email me at slpreppy@gmail.com

__________________________________________________

In the meantime, if you can't attend....no worries!  You can still wish Lilly a Happy Birthday in the official Birthday Card.

Send your good wishes as a word document (color and photos are accepted) to lillybirthday@gmail.com.  Send $10.00 for each submission to the paypal account of the same address to accompany your card.  All proceeds over the cost of production of the card will be donated to the charity of Lilly's choice.  Any questions, direct them to lillybirthday@gmail.com.

__________________________________________________________________________

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT:

I am simply LOVING these men's fashions!  LOVE!

The For the Love of Lilly exhibit has been on display at the museum since August 2010 and will remain until November 2011, until after the Luncheon. 

The exhibit contains approximately 80 vintage Lilly Pulitzer items from dresses, accessories and fabrics to men's and children's fashions, galoshes and even napkins!

An exhibit any Lilly lover would certainly not want to miss.

Happy Wednesday Y'all!

Recipe: Easy Chicken Enchiladas

I feel like I'm beating a dead horse, but for those new readers.....I don't like to cook.  I won't say "hate" because every once in a while, I do get a whim and cook up a storm, but it's rare.  But I do LOVE collecting and reading recipes, an obsession of sorts (read HERE).  I even have a spam email setup for newsletters from Real Simple, Cooking Light etc., etc.

Via Real Simple.com

Well, Friday night I cooked!!  (I hadn't cooked all week....Body Back, Junior League, Bible Study...there's always an excuse.  No worries, Lallie always gets fed a nutritious meal and we DO sit down and eat with her, it's just "scrounging."  Felt I should throw that in so you don't worry that she's starving).

Moving on.  Real Simple sent a newsletter on Simply 5 Ingredient Meals and this was one of them.  Husband and I really enjoyed it so I thought I would share. 

I really thought that the lack of spices would make this not-so-good, but it was really good and we ate too much.  Our tummies felt it later and we decided we should not eat that much in a sitting, we're not used to eating like that.  Once in a while, okay.

 

(Lisa - Body Back trainer, I know you're reading a rolling your eyes saying All that CHEESE, all that SALT....ack!...if and when we eat this again, I will be trying to make it a little healthier.  I did us about half the cheese they suggested, bu I will NOT do diet cheese or low-fat cheese.  I just can't handle the taste. For those of you who do....Kudos!)

Any suggestions on homemade enchilada sauce so I can cut down on the sauce? Need to research this.

Anyhow, I guess you'd like the recipe?

• Four  - 6 oz chicken breasts (I used two and cut them in half lengthwise.  There's only two of us)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• 1.5 cup Cheddar cheese (I used 3/4 cup - so around 1/3 cup per person and we didn't eat it all....almost).
• 8 - 6 inch tortillas (I used 12, but they kept breaking, only 8 ended up in the pan)
• 2.5 cups enchilada sauce (I used 1 can mild and 1 can medium and whoa!  It had a kick!  I didn't use the full 2.5 cups as I didn't want to open another can and waste half of it)  Since it's poured in the pan for flavoring, you don't actually eat all 2.5 cups.
• Cilantro for garnish
• Addition of mine - 1/2 cup chopped onions.  Though Husband suggested I use this a a garnish next time instead of inside the enchiladas.

Sorry for the extra notes....just letting you know my experience.

Rub the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.  Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes until finished.  Shred the chicken.  Mix the shredded chicken with 1 cup (I used 1/2 cup) of cheese (and I threw in the onions here too).

Take the chicken mixture and roll up in the tortillas.  Place in the pan seam side down (mine kept breaking but that's okay, they all still tasted the same, it just wasn't pretty).

Pour the enchilada sauce over the enchiladas and top with remaining 1/2 cup (I used 1/4 cup cheese).

SERVE!

Enjoy!! 

Fall TV

 I don't know about you, but we are READY for the fall TV lineup.  Husband:  I love you, but I have had enough American Pickers, Pawn Stars, Modern Marvels and How It's Made over the past few weeks to last me a lifetime. 

Okay, so I like the first three, just not every night.  As for the latter: I really do not care how a hammer is made.  I only care that it works! 

I'm looking forward to getting back to our regular programs.



How I Met Your Mother



Big Bang Theory



Parenthood (Okay, this one is mine.  Husband? Not so much).



Our favorite:  Modern Family



As for new shows, I'm not sure about Husband, but I'm interested in these shows.

Suburgatory



Up All Night



Pan Am

Last Man Standing

As for reality shows, no sir-ee.  We don't dig reality shows in our house (except for The Next Food Network Star).

What shows are y'all interested in this season?  What's your favorite returning show?

Happy Tuesday Y'all!

Mad About ModCloth

 I love ModCloth, specifically their dresses.  They have a very wide variety of dresses for every style, body type and personality.  They have trendy, classic and everything in between.  They also have a very wide range of prices.  From around $30.00 for sale items up to around $300.00.  So no matter what your budget, you might just score some great deals.  I haven't ever browsed their other categories, I never get past the dresses, they have so many.

Here are a few of my favorites (in my price range!)  I had to pair down this list or I'd have 25 dresses!

I love the plum and burnt orange combination of this dress.  It's very fall, perfect with either pumps or flats and a cardi for those colder office environments.  It looks comfy too!  $49.99.

I never really liked purple clothing and rarely wear it (though Lallie LOVES purple).  However, I love the style and fit of this dress.  Fitted and flirty for a night out on the town yet still professional for the work environment or for church.  $54.99

What do you think?  Would this color fly for fall?  I'm not sure, I'm still contemplating purple.

I love the shirt dress, I have several.  But not in camo green.  This is cute for fall and I like the A-line feel of the dress.  Substitute a thick brown leather belt for the ribbon tie-around and you have a whole other look.  $59.99.

A classic dress with a trendy twist, great for the professional.  Throw on a cardigan of just about any color for the daytime with pumps or flats and then take of the cardigan for cocktails with the co-workers.  For the price, you really can't beat this!  $62.99.

One of my favorites in navy (love this color), without the belt, it is on the dressier side.  Wear it with the belt and a cardigan and flats for work.  A thicker leather belt with cowboy boots, you have a casual look.  This dress is SO versatile.  Sadly, I couldn't find this dress this morning on the site, it's all gone (insert sad face). 

It was however, I think, $54.99.

I have a couple other dresses in this fit and style and love them!  They are SO comfy and again, very versatile.  By itself for casual, with pumps for a night out or with a cardigan for work.  And again, I'm loving the plum and burnt orange colors this season.  Combined with the turquoise, this is an all around fun dress!  At $47.99, the price is fabulous!

Maybe for a quick grocery store runs or sitting around the house with family while wanting to feel pretty!  This cotton shirt dress looks so comfy.  Not sure of the length, but maybe pair with some leggings and boots for a dressier out-on-the-town option?  If only they made this dress in other colors, it'd be great for Game Day too!  $54.99

Now, ModCloth does have it's more expensive options.  If I had $294.99 to spare, this would be in my closet.  I wore a very similar cut dress the other night to a Junior League meeting.  It was a Marc by Marc Jacobs dress in light brown and burnt orange with short-sleeves and I received so many compliments on the fit and colors of the dress.  Everyone called it a dressy version of June Cleaver.  This dress has the same feel.

What do y'all think of ModCloth?

Happy Thursday Y'all!