tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-303865842024-03-07T02:22:15.486-05:00monogram mommaMonogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.comBlogger497125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-57648056245166561692010-05-14T13:05:00.002-04:002010-05-14T13:17:38.053-04:00Open for Business!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDpuE50RrFYR-MQujnypYmtV7fwbZRULtiLV0OFPIcK-s34Hf_QBwHd6ycw30HMO93FTx-JBQP_KOJIRXPSWP4Qc1Ou04IZ_rj_LcTSZwW-QtlkdpElDLlxe3E86qDE6-UjDAlA/s1600/SouthernWearsFBpage+copy.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDpuE50RrFYR-MQujnypYmtV7fwbZRULtiLV0OFPIcK-s34Hf_QBwHd6ycw30HMO93FTx-JBQP_KOJIRXPSWP4Qc1Ou04IZ_rj_LcTSZwW-QtlkdpElDLlxe3E86qDE6-UjDAlA/s200/SouthernWearsFBpage+copy.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471175951648773202" border="0" /></a>So, today is the day! I've been working my pink and green behind off to get my website ready for a "soft launch" and today is the day! I'm so excited that I will now be able to accept wholesale orders for many of my products, and will be adding to that weekly. I am overflowing with ideas and there are so many things I want to do and products I want to make, but I'm going to take it slowly as I'm still trying to figure this all out as I go.<br /><br />So, to kick off my website launch and wholesale opportunities, from now through May 31st I'm offering BUY 1 GET 1 on all my tee's. Absolutely PERFECT for family reunions, beach trips, teachers gifts, or coaches gifts. To take advantage of the BOGO offer, purchase 1 tee at checkout, then specify in "seller instructions" the size and details for your 2nd, FREE tee! Please note that the 2nd tee must be of equal or lesser value, and will get shipped right to your door via USPS!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.southernwears.com/"><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255); font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" >Click here to check out all the new products and graphics<br />from Southern Wears & Gifts!</span><br /></a></div>Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-13227911672885554112010-04-23T09:52:00.004-04:002010-04-23T10:05:45.347-04:00Cheese StrawsToday starts the kick-off to mini #1's First Communion weekend. We are all very excited and as you can imagine, I have a big reception planned following the ceremony. 17 family members are flying or driving in town (beginning today!) so I've pretty much been a crazy person this week preparing for it all. Naturally, that includes food, and what proper Southern event is complete without cheese straws???<br /><br />Here's my recipe that is very simple. They turn out light and flaky without that spicy bite that a lot of other cheese straw recipe's have. Feel free to add more cayenne to spice it up if you prefer, but I that's just not how I prefer mine. *note: this recipe yields about 4 dozen<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients</span><a style="font-weight: bold;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKetIwmW3TRgVIEsoIeuaaQQa6WVPzisaojY5BXkqvh0szMl-Z-4n-jrQQBmgo6rysJIzD_NxUXY96UdJ0BmG7oQ8GrFQsFauPIp9cFbD0C1uKz89RMTJrMHXIRJEYWnSRgBgRQ/s1600/90013826.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKetIwmW3TRgVIEsoIeuaaQQa6WVPzisaojY5BXkqvh0szMl-Z-4n-jrQQBmgo6rysJIzD_NxUXY96UdJ0BmG7oQ8GrFQsFauPIp9cFbD0C1uKz89RMTJrMHXIRJEYWnSRgBgRQ/s200/90013826.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463333187256117586" border="0" /></a></span><br />-2 cups all-purpose flour<br />-2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese<br />-3/4 cup margarine (I use it room temp)<br />-1 tsp baking powder<br />-1/4 tsp cayenne pepper<br />-1/2 tsp salt<br />-1/2 cup water<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions</span></span><br /><ol><li>Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. I always put down wax paper or parchment paper on my baking sheets.</li><li>Combine flour, baking powder, cayenne pepper, salt, grated cheese and margarine in a bowl and mix until well combined. Then add a little water at a time to make a stiff dough. I like to work it better w/ my hands at this point.</li><li>On a floured surface, roll out dough pieces into desired thickness. Then using a paring knife, cut sticks into lengths (my sizes vary from 4"-10"). Use a spatula and arrange on baking sheet.</li><li>Bake at 400 degrees for 5 minutes until browned (this is more like 7 minutes in my oven).<br /></li></ol>Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-67594288121364030882010-04-08T10:18:00.004-04:002010-04-08T10:29:50.311-04:00Rainy Days & ThursdaysIt's Spring Break over here at Casa Monogram we've been raisin' the roof and gettin' wild and crazy with laundry, baseball practice, play dates, and trying on last summers clothes. I know. Try to contain your excitement. It's enough to make me want to run out and have matching air brushed t-shirts made for each of us that read <span style="font-style: italic;">SPRING BREAK '10!</span><br /><br />And while I'd planned to hit the tennis courts this morning, the thunderstorms have put a damper on my plans so that leaves me to plan B: find a dress for mini #1's First Communion for once and for all. Truth be told I've bought probably 4 dresses and consequently taken them all back because I've not liked them once I've gotten them home. Because as it turns out? Your ass really is as big at home as it is in the department store dressing room. Who knew?<br /><br />So I haven't found a dress yet, but I did just stumble upon these little gems at <a href="http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/63396?nav=fp-dp&from=SR&feat=sr">L.L. Bean</a>. Lovely, just lovely. And with a Free Shipping coupon code <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">3018863</span>, my rainy day just got a little bit sunnier.<br /><br /><div id="pp_productImage"><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="javascript:pageControllerObject.launchZoom(zmUrl);" id="vlAnchor1"> <img src="http://cdni.llbean.com/is/image/wim/261027_22_41?wid=330&hei=295" id="productShot" name="productShot" alt="Coastal Rain Skimmers" onerror="document.productShot.src='//cdn.llbean.com/images/sorry_prod.gif';" onload="setEmailFriendVisibility()" width="330" border="0" height="295" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/63396?nav=fp-dp&from=SR&feat=sr"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Coastal Rain Skimmers</span></a><br /><a href="javascript:pageControllerObject.launchZoom(zmUrl);" id="vlAnchor1"> </a></div> </div> <div id="pp_colorSwatchColumn"><div style="text-align: right;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;" id="pp_colorSwatchDescriptionContainer"> <div id="pp_colorSwatchDescription"> Bright Navy </div> </div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;" id="pp_colorSwatchesContainer"> <script> var colorStyleImages = { "mainImages":new Array(), // holds dynamic main images "thumbImages":new Array(), // holds dynamic thumbnail images "thumbs":new Array(), // Note: thumbs is used for availability chart color swatches "oldMainImages":new Array(), // Note: oldMainImages is used for Email a friend popup "colorNames":new Array(), "soldOutText":new Array(), "soldOutTemp":new Array(), "defaultColorText":"Bright Navy" }; 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colorStyleImages.thumbImages.push("//cdni.llbean.com/is/image/wim/261027_3_42?wid=44&hei=51"); colorStyleImages.thumbs.push("//cdn.llbean.com/products/womens/63396/images/S_Black_Coffee.jpg"); colorStyleImages.oldMainImages.push("//cdn.llbean.com/products/womens/63396/images/M63396_Black_Coffee.jpg"); ++swatchesCount; </script> <img style="border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" id="swatch1" src="http://cdni.llbean.com/is/image/wim/261027_3_43?wid=27&hei=27" name="Black Coffee" title="Black Coffee" alt="Black Coffee" class="pp_colorSwatch" colordata="1" width="27" height="27" /> <script> colorStyleImages.soldOutTemp.push(""); colorStyleImages.soldOutText.push(""); colorStyleImages.colorNames.push("Bright Navy"); colorStyleImages.mainImages.push("//cdni.llbean.com/is/image/wim/261027_22_41?wid=330&hei=295"); colorStyleImages.thumbImages.push("//cdni.llbean.com/is/image/wim/261027_22_42?wid=44&hei=51"); colorStyleImages.thumbs.push("//cdn.llbean.com/products/womens/63396/images/S_Bright_Navy.jpg"); colorStyleImages.oldMainImages.push("//cdn.llbean.com/products/womens/63396/images/M63396_Bright_Navy.jpg"); ++swatchesCount; </script> <img id="swatch2" src="http://cdni.llbean.com/is/image/wim/261027_22_43?wid=27&hei=27" name="Bright Navy" title="Bright Navy" alt="Bright Navy" class="pp_colorSwatch" style="border: 1px solid rgb(51, 96, 76); cursor: pointer;" colordata="2" width="27" height="27" /> <script> colorStyleImages.soldOutTemp.push(""); colorStyleImages.soldOutText.push(""); colorStyleImages.colorNames.push("Bright Yellow"); colorStyleImages.mainImages.push("//cdni.llbean.com/is/image/wim/261027_467_41?wid=330&hei=295"); colorStyleImages.thumbImages.push("//cdni.llbean.com/is/image/wim/261027_467_42?wid=44&hei=51"); colorStyleImages.thumbs.push("//cdn.llbean.com/products/womens/63396/images/S_Bright_Yellow.jpg"); colorStyleImages.oldMainImages.push("//cdn.llbean.com/products/womens/63396/images/M63396_Bright_Yellow.jpg"); ++swatchesCount; </script> <img style="border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255);" id="swatch3" src="http://cdni.llbean.com/is/image/wim/261027_467_43?wid=27&hei=27" name="Bright Yellow" title="Bright Yellow" alt="Bright Yellow" class="pp_colorSwatch" colordata="3" width="27" height="27" /> <script> colorStyleImages.soldOutTemp.push(""); 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display: inline;"> <br /></a></div></div></div></div> </div>Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-35769396531047023352010-03-31T11:17:00.006-04:002010-03-31T11:35:20.511-04:00Cake WrecksTo give credit where credit is due, sister #1 posted this on Facebook yesterday and it was so hysterical that it was worth sharing. We've all seen them... The sweet little creatures the local bakery has decimated with their piping bags and decorative tips. But now someone has dedicated a blog to them, and it's right on par with <a href="http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/">People of Walmart</a>, <a href="http://www.peopleofthepark.com/">People of the Park</a>, and <a href="http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/">Awkward Family Photo's</a>. All I know is if <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/">Martha </a>saw these cakes it would surely send her to an early grave!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWKfsaJoooLrsZIezAHl1mMbrn9PFhsjHYg4WxYRvdkygQkO6aNkZUkrt4QmzD8QzxZ9vZdCwy8h6a3IplrbNZccR9Sb0VWfW1e91NZAmLjiY6IvQpzK9JzDzzzAvcremBZSJ/s1600/katie+g.ow.easter+bunny.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 392px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWKfsaJoooLrsZIezAHl1mMbrn9PFhsjHYg4WxYRvdkygQkO6aNkZUkrt4QmzD8QzxZ9vZdCwy8h6a3IplrbNZccR9Sb0VWfW1e91NZAmLjiY6IvQpzK9JzDzzzAvcremBZSJ/s400/katie+g.ow.easter+bunny.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454173930997898306" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.cakewrecks.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Cake Wrecks</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">When Professional Cakes go Horribly, Hilariously Wrong</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">source & photo: <a href="http://www.cakewrecks.blogspot.com/">Cake Wrecks</a></span><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-49001266882108252692010-03-29T13:16:00.004-04:002010-03-29T13:40:37.077-04:00NESTing Bowls<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VvqdScB2ZhyphenhyphenyARH3WODvDpt-Q_4Pq1firlTuSpc3CpoNwEU8reULQWS2iDIli9gFzTfd9aC5BhzazUpeTSZp3Q9A0Zp4TPGL9QvkmyzNHNeEaOoYRrQB0wEkbg6ph_k-bNfQkA/s1600/Craft-Project-Bird-s-Nest-Bowl_full_article_vertical.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 169px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VvqdScB2ZhyphenhyphenyARH3WODvDpt-Q_4Pq1firlTuSpc3CpoNwEU8reULQWS2iDIli9gFzTfd9aC5BhzazUpeTSZp3Q9A0Zp4TPGL9QvkmyzNHNeEaOoYRrQB0wEkbg6ph_k-bNfQkA/s200/Craft-Project-Bird-s-Nest-Bowl_full_article_vertical.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454111543928161634" border="0" /></a>I love catching a tweet with a "must-do" craft project, and this one looks so easy and fun that I quickly tagged it a "favorite." It would have been perfect for the nesting baby shower I hosted last year for bff, Ashley, but it's also absolutely perfect for Easter decorations and Spring decor in general. Think what cute candy bowls this craft would make!<img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/CIARLA%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-4.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">You Will Need</span><br />-4 sheets of fuchsia heavy-weight paper, 12" (30.5cm) square, such as card stock<br />-2 sheets of orange heavy-weight paper, 12" (30.5cm) square, such as card stock<br />-3 sheets of red heavy-weight paper, 12" (30.5cm) square, such as card stock<br />-Paper shredder or scissors<br />-Glue<br />-Water<br />-3 nesting bowls<br />-Brush<br />-Cling wrap, enough to cover the outer area of the 3 bowls<br /><br /><p style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;">Instructions</p> <div class="object-right"><div class="content-view-embed"> <div class="class-image"> <div class="attribute-image"> <img src="http://www.womansday.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/images/01-paper-bowl-craft/884139-1-eng-US/01-Paper-Bowl-Craft.jpg" style="border: 0px none ;" alt="" title="" width="200" height="258" /> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>1. Shred the fuchsia paper using an office crosscut paper shredder. If using a regular paper shredder, cut the strips into lengths of about 11/2" (3.8cm). If no paper shredder is available, use scissors to cut strips of paper that are 1/8" x 1/2" (3mm x 3.8cm).</p><p>2. Prepare a solution of glue and water that is 2 parts of glue per 1 part water. Don’t add too much water, or the paper will not hold together. Each bowl will require at least 1/2 cup (118ml) of the drippy glue solution.</p><br /><div class="object-right"><div class="content-view-embed"> <div class="class-image"> <div class="attribute-image"> <img src="http://www.womansday.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/images/02-paper-bowl-craft/884144-1-eng-US/02-Paper-Bowl-Craft.jpg" style="border: 0px none ;" alt="" title="" width="200" height="258" /> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>3. Wrap the large bowl with cling wrap, and place it upside down on a surface covered with plastic.</p><p>4. Place the fuchsia shredded paper into another bowl, and sprinkle with some water (no more than 1 tablespoon [15ml]) to dampen the card stock.</p><br /><div class="object-right"><div class="content-view-embed"> <div class="class-image"> <div class="attribute-image"> <img src="http://www.womansday.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/images/03-paper-bowl-craft/884149-1-eng-US/03-Paper-Bowl-Craft.jpg" style="border: 0px none ;" alt="" title="" width="200" height="258" /> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>5. Start by brushing the bottom of the cling-wrapped bowl with some of the glue solution. Add a small clump of paper (about 4–6 strips) in random <a onclick="'s_objectID=" itxtdid="19187191" target="_blank" href="http://www.womansday.com/Content/Crafts/Craft-Project-Bird-s-Nest-Bowl#" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted darkgreen ! important; font-weight: normal ! important; font-size: 100% ! important; text-decoration: none ! important; padding-bottom: 0px ! important; color: darkgreen ! important; background-color: transparent ! important; background-image: none; padding-top: 0pt; padding-right: 0pt; padding-left: 0pt;" classname="iAs" class="iAs"><nobr style="color: darkgreen; font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" id="itxt_nobr_10_0">fashion<img style="border: 0pt none ; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; display: inline ! important; height: 10px; width: 10px; position: relative; top: 1px; left: 1px; float: none;" name="itxt-icon-77" src="http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/2_bing.gif" /></nobr></a>, and brush or dab more glue solution over them until they are damp enough that they lay flat and adhere to the bowl.</p><p>Instead of using colored card stock, this is the perfect opportunity to make something out of shredded office paper. The bowls will end up looking more rustic with the different colors of paper and typographic elements on them.</p><br /><div class="object-right"><div class="content-view-embed"> <div class="class-image"> <div class="attribute-image"> <img src="http://www.womansday.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/images/04-paper-bowl-craft/884154-1-eng-US/04-Paper-Bowl-Craft.jpg" style="border: 0px none ;" alt="" title="" width="200" height="258" /> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>6. Continue adding clumps of paper strips, brushing the area they will cover with the glue solution and then brushing the glue solution over them. Cover the bowl until you’re about 2" (5cm) from the top edge of the bowl or the work surface. The bowl should be covered by at least 3 levels of paper to ensure stability. The edge of the bowl needs to be generally even, but keep it ragged by making some of the strips on the final row point downward, perpendicular to the work surface.</p><p><b>Tip: </b>It’s important that the glue stay w enough to firmly hold the bowl together. The consistency of the 2 parts glue to 1 part water should resemble liquid soap. As you <a onclick="'s_objectID=" itxtdid="19184928" target="_blank" href="http://www.womansday.com/Content/Crafts/Craft-Project-Bird-s-Nest-Bowl#" style="border-bottom: 0.075em solid darkgreen ! important; font-weight: normal ! important; font-size: 100% ! important; text-decoration: underline ! important; padding-bottom: 1px ! important; color: darkgreen ! important; background-color: transparent ! important; background-image: none; padding-top: 0pt; padding-right: 0pt; padding-left: 0pt;" classname="iAs" class="iAs">apply</a> the glue solution, keep in mind that the more layers of paper are added the stronger the bowls will be. Allow drying time between layers. <b>Note: </b>Don’t worry about covering the surface completely. Part of the charm of the bowls is to leave some small spaces, no larger than 1/8" (6mm), between some of the strips.</p><br /><div class="object-right"><div class="content-view-embed"> <div class="class-image"> <div class="attribute-image"> <img src="http://www.womansday.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/images/05-paper-bowl-craft/884159-1-eng-US/05-Paper-Bowl-Craft.jpg" style="border: 0px none ;" alt="" title="" width="200" height="258" /> </div> </div> </div> </div><p>7. Place the bowl in a dry and well-ventilated area, and let the surface dry completely. This process may take a day or two. If you’d like to speed it, place the bowl close to a Instead of using colored card stock, this is the perfect opportunity to make something out of shredded office paper. The bowls will end up looking more rustic with the different colors of paper and typographic elements on them. fan. Once the surface appears dry to the touch, carefully remove the bowl from the cling wrap and let it air dry face up until the inside of the bowl is completely dry as well.</p><p>8. Repeat the same process (steps 1-7) for the medium bowl using red paper and the smallest bowl using orange paper.</p><span style="font-size:85%;">source & photo's: <a href="http://www.womansday.com/Content/Crafts/Craft-Project-Bird-s-Nest-Bowl">Woman's Day</a></span>Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-86375482260282351992010-03-24T09:24:00.007-04:002010-03-24T10:25:39.687-04:00Here Comes Peter CottontailEaster is right around the corner. Now I don't know about y'all, but when I was growing up, all the Easter Bunny ever put in our baskets were loads of candy, peeps, the obligatory large chocolate bunny, and a few small trinkets. It was packed to the gills mind you, but it was pretty much all candy. But somehow from then to now, the Easter Bunny has become as revered as Santa Claus with the children I know (yes, including my own), and mere candy just does not suffice. The Easter Bunny is now expected to deliver toys, games, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZj__wCO4s710lw4-yYtKcFxDBNEjamWLijiAVr_qzi8z8ZCA7ZpjAP3oo5vG1favvPEQ9iku7MmNxnO7lKlBccYY5rIM0bGYeliE9FN6QE53nuMYLpZ5LCXjdxRsOgZggA7JmOg/s1600/NK_FunnyEasterCandy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZj__wCO4s710lw4-yYtKcFxDBNEjamWLijiAVr_qzi8z8ZCA7ZpjAP3oo5vG1favvPEQ9iku7MmNxnO7lKlBccYY5rIM0bGYeliE9FN6QE53nuMYLpZ5LCXjdxRsOgZggA7JmOg/s200/NK_FunnyEasterCandy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452202226334419650" border="0" /></a>money, candy, and pretty much anything else he can fit in that basket. And the baskets? Well naturally they've become supersized as well.<br /><br />So what is a mom to do? And who the hell started all this hype to begin with? I want to know who the hell is responsible for hyping up the Easter Bunny as big as Santa Claus?? I mean, I barely recover from Christmas and I have mini #1's birthday, which is then followed by Easter. I am going to need a holiday bail-out program at this rate! And while I'm on my soap box, let's just go over the long list of people I'm supposed to keep up with... Of Course there's Santa, <a href="http://www.wf-f.org/st.nicholas.html">St. Nicholas</a> (for my fellow Catholics), the Tooth Fairy, The Leprechauns on St. Patrick's Day, & finally the Easter Bunny. WHY DO I EVEN BOTHER LOCKING THE DOOR with all these people coming in and out of my house.<br /><br />Anyway, my real point of this post is that with Easter a week and a half away, I'm a bit behind on my Easter Bunny shopping. In case you haven't heard, the Easter Bunny is very busy these days trying to keep up the house since it's on the market, start her new business, and let's face it, she certainly can't miss her Young & the Restless. So I thought I'd share a few things the Easter Bunny will be including in baskets at the Monogram's house this year, in case your Easter Bunny needs a few ideas. Also? Our Easter Bunny is always looking for some cute little things for our baskets as well so please share away if you've got any suggestions of your own.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCX5bRRmCWrupZv2pdtF0JgdETlH8nWTEodS9ZUzvXoTFRJ4Khq60JhKRqGFnyo37d32UxGnIcghX8sJEUAd6xWkXHGelq_J5kKamez5rVwIcHA7omgCBhc8sDsY71fUTzUVPpA/s1600/514R18YXBVL._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCX5bRRmCWrupZv2pdtF0JgdETlH8nWTEodS9ZUzvXoTFRJ4Khq60JhKRqGFnyo37d32UxGnIcghX8sJEUAd6xWkXHGelq_J5kKamez5rVwIcHA7omgCBhc8sDsY71fUTzUVPpA/s320/514R18YXBVL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452202497678312194" border="0" /></a>I remember watching this cartoon series in the 80's, and since my boys are obsessed with all games including Super+Mario, these inexpensive DVD's of the cartoon series will be included in their baskets this year. Santa delivered one to each of them in their stockings as well, and they LOOOOOVE THEM. You can pick them up <a href="http://www.ncircleentertainment.com/content.aspx?id=NCsuperMarioBros">here </a>for the great price of $5.99 ea. and they really are hilarious.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4YBRNQpIKEpzLWLBsvQOaf9c0XyZkM_5lB26aguC4_2x4O1UaG19lP2yRsgx1hSe9fTvQ4bYhR-GPeKdyvrznQOX_3n2t5gtQXHWkG4iAMNvGZrfytw0noo7h9qPF5p-voN9jg/s1600/140061248.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 159px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4YBRNQpIKEpzLWLBsvQOaf9c0XyZkM_5lB26aguC4_2x4O1UaG19lP2yRsgx1hSe9fTvQ4bYhR-GPeKdyvrznQOX_3n2t5gtQXHWkG4iAMNvGZrfytw0noo7h9qPF5p-voN9jg/s200/140061248.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452205670482921538" border="0" /></a>The Easter Bunny just had to buy these and if you have to ask why, then you haven't been coming around here long enough to know we are obsessed w/ our Chocolate Lab (both current and past one). The boys will love these and as a BONUS they are on sale for a mere $11.49 at my favorite affordable kids store, <a href="http://www.gymboree.com/shop/dept_item.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524445986777&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374306253339&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395917465&bmUID=1269438500144&productSizeSelected=0&fit_type=">Gymboree</a>.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HyU4zZ2QSUNGOK06gGBmrH05d_ztpTkAsJwQknPfV1IFdP4InwO_L6OXXmcVsvPy79JwHfuq44f-_Cgv_cpZ06SJugyPvhjkZeYd5kBA9v_4MViYb9I7lJ_3RgQ-8TwzeN-fnQ/s1600/dragonballzcentral_2094_1440761097.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HyU4zZ2QSUNGOK06gGBmrH05d_ztpTkAsJwQknPfV1IFdP4InwO_L6OXXmcVsvPy79JwHfuq44f-_Cgv_cpZ06SJugyPvhjkZeYd5kBA9v_4MViYb9I7lJ_3RgQ-8TwzeN-fnQ/s320/dragonballzcentral_2094_1440761097.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452202506323692114" border="0" /></a>I have no idea what Mighty Beanz are, and I'm not entirely sure my kids do either. However, as the commercial is played constantly during Spongebob when we get home from school, the mini's are "dyiiiiing" for <a href="http://www.toywiz.com/mightybeanz3pack.html">Mighty Beanz</a>. At $4.99, I believe the Easter Bunny can make this happen as well.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvrFkENubq57yrvsN8YcqOS6-OJPsJVELIcStKdkCSEa-XT0BK42e6nqSLu9HGjksrEXqH7wOe9oJNP97b7eCBtqkeml2zjWiMRkJUboqvzjijzPWcXfEvuYD2ykVwmDgFlpY7A/s1600/61L3MtzJ8qL._AA300_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvrFkENubq57yrvsN8YcqOS6-OJPsJVELIcStKdkCSEa-XT0BK42e6nqSLu9HGjksrEXqH7wOe9oJNP97b7eCBtqkeml2zjWiMRkJUboqvzjijzPWcXfEvuYD2ykVwmDgFlpY7A/s320/61L3MtzJ8qL._AA300_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452202489846012482" border="0" /></a>Last year the Easter Bunny brought DS games so I believe he should keep with that and bring another DS game again (because the 10,345,857 DS games they have apparently aren't enough). At this point he is leaning towards the "I Spy" DS game for mini #1 and Lego Batman for mini #2, but it could also come down to whateversonsale.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVsL6khmMnZllSgJrYDzHzgqZHdRgG3EdUxl10dk42nu0c0pdGDW7xtcoYk8e5VznzgR_aDa6y_sae242kUDAfjuqImO4LQsxXqKqWq_ezqmT2ZE42mCoRGU0zOxfj8m_Z_Ewtw/s1600/2010-03-24_1010.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVsL6khmMnZllSgJrYDzHzgqZHdRgG3EdUxl10dk42nu0c0pdGDW7xtcoYk8e5VznzgR_aDa6y_sae242kUDAfjuqImO4LQsxXqKqWq_ezqmT2ZE42mCoRGU0zOxfj8m_Z_Ewtw/s200/2010-03-24_1010.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452205665586351442" border="0" /></a>Our Easter Bunny always brings Flip Flops. Always has, always will. I love these from <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/CrewCutBrowse/Boy_Shop_By_Category/shoes/flipflops/PRDOVR%7E92572/92572.jsp">Crewcuts</a> and buy them every year, although I'm sad to see they didn't do a madras one for kids this year. Booooooo. They are $19.50 now, but I'm sure that after I buy them they'll go on sale for $12.50 like they usually do.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBaYj851mzskqLl8k03BXkRHLfJOU3PywFfVvkReX3dRfI6EJHr_LxeC2M2q1Xf8uVnzYLDKSS5j2JhWV4sgn-AGMo8REC6RIo2XtPSGpE52qIZMx_IM-2-yV6uba7ujm8rXOCg/s1600/pSPDO1-6792127p275w.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBaYj851mzskqLl8k03BXkRHLfJOU3PywFfVvkReX3dRfI6EJHr_LxeC2M2q1Xf8uVnzYLDKSS5j2JhWV4sgn-AGMo8REC6RIo2XtPSGpE52qIZMx_IM-2-yV6uba7ujm8rXOCg/s320/pSPDO1-6792127p275w.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452202511059259762" border="0" /></a>Much like the Flip Flops, our Easter Bunny brings new goggles every year also. Why? Because kids lose everything, especially goggles. And new goggles also get them excited about Summer and the swimming and warm weather that is right around the corner.<br /></div><br />So those the additional items that will accompany all the candy and chocolate in the mini's baskets this year. Now, what about you? What does your Easter Bunny like to bring???Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-71741340390939107402010-03-22T08:50:00.007-04:002010-03-22T11:43:28.549-04:00Paper Cherry Blossom'sSpring is right around the corner. Despite a high in the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHvtjKBoz9Gt_A5P8KYWY8RLg5TDggUmkgAt_exP4-ugXMMJg9a1hTP2udMx8f7vLXRsY-zv6oPfb756DimIrJXVbv8Lplhx63cgSyEMWkxEEgatYuWF_dLw_VJVnnqB2VC2Tiw/s1600-h/cherry_blossom_branch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHvtjKBoz9Gt_A5P8KYWY8RLg5TDggUmkgAt_exP4-ugXMMJg9a1hTP2udMx8f7vLXRsY-zv6oPfb756DimIrJXVbv8Lplhx63cgSyEMWkxEEgatYuWF_dLw_VJVnnqB2VC2Tiw/s320/cherry_blossom_branch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451441816451848498" border="0" /></a>low 40's today, I can feel it in my bones! And with Spring around the corner, that means it's time to lighten things up a bit and get in a more colorful mood. I stumbled upon this simple craft that I LOVE, and would look great as a simple decor in a guest room, on the kitchen table, or even make a fabulous shower decoration.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >You Will Need<strong></strong></span><br />*Thin Pink paper<br />*Tape<br />*Scissors<br />*Bare branches<br />*Vase or frame<br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Directions</span></span></strong><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNSCnv7gHeCIZbT-y6-6JLCDe_nLvBsXWz3AGAzN8IHjixXCo1nWNOKgX7wbNRAQSwD0bRuCL6u3CoW3KNVLWKrj1FBycJGSV30AIybRiCsb6MNEoXKJ8JcJ5Zk18nWD7lesq9A/s1600-h/6a00e54fbad099883401310f5ee14b970c-550wi.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNSCnv7gHeCIZbT-y6-6JLCDe_nLvBsXWz3AGAzN8IHjixXCo1nWNOKgX7wbNRAQSwD0bRuCL6u3CoW3KNVLWKrj1FBycJGSV30AIybRiCsb6MNEoXKJ8JcJ5Zk18nWD7lesq9A/s320/6a00e54fbad099883401310f5ee14b970c-550wi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451442686597033202" border="0" /></a><strong><br /></strong>1) If you are not using origami paper, cut your paper into squares. For a better looks, use two different sizes of squares, 3 in. and 2.5 in.<br /><strong></strong><br />2) Cut your branches to a size that will suit the frame or vase that you are using.<br /><strong></strong><br />3) Fold your squares into cherry blossoms. You can find out how to fold them here (http://www.origami-club.com/en/flowers/sakura2/index.html). You can create slight variations in the flowers by the you cut them.<br /><strong></strong><br />4) After you have arranged your branches in a vase or frame, attach the folded cherry blossoms to the branches using tape.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSXYoJHydtqkbTzmUavK6lE4khaQw_aLReQLHNevevsTyVXn4_n1tmkGnSxp3oDssHJ6HCWf7iCfxCJS5fNaZ8krnDQfv2_r43L9Z1bUAcbcRWDaefDpL3hJA88y7A64w4y0viw/s1600-h/6a00e54fbad099883401310f5ee171970c-550wi.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSXYoJHydtqkbTzmUavK6lE4khaQw_aLReQLHNevevsTyVXn4_n1tmkGnSxp3oDssHJ6HCWf7iCfxCJS5fNaZ8krnDQfv2_r43L9Z1bUAcbcRWDaefDpL3hJA88y7A64w4y0viw/s200/6a00e54fbad099883401310f5ee171970c-550wi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451442434967091682" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Source &</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:78%;"> Photos: <a href="http://bkids.typepad.com/bookhoucraftprojects/2010/03/cherry--blossom-season-is-coming-up-in-japan-so-i-thought-i-would-make-something-to--remember-that-i-am-always-missing.html">Book Hour Craft Projects</a></span><br /></span>Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-92232318709638549202010-03-16T09:56:00.009-04:002010-03-16T10:27:00.718-04:00Leprechaun Traps & TricksI am not Irish. And probably because I'm not Irish, I wasn't raised where St. Patrick's Day was a huge deal. Sure, we always wore green for luck, but mostly that was also so as not to spend the day getting pinched, either. Probably another reason St. Patrick's Day wasn't so huge to us was also because my birthday is the day AFTER St. Patrick's Day. But I digress...<br /><br />As is turns out, lots of people celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Irish or not. And now that I'm a parent, I have to admit to getting into it a bit more. Irish or not. Some mom's I know go so far as to set "traps" so the leprechauns can't come play tricks on them. Did you know leprechauns are tiny crazy little things and love to play tricks on people? Yeah well me either. But apparently they've been known to do things like turn the gallon of milk green, toilet water green, leave green confetti all over people's houses, leave green ice cubes in the freezer, etc. Therefore, to avoid being tricked by the leprechaun, it is a good idea to create a trap for them.<br /><br />Enter our Kindergarten Family Project. Each family had to create a leprechaun trap, which we had to send in today. And since I was out of town for 4 days over the weekend, this was left up to Mr. Monogram to execute. We were told in our project instructions that leprechauns do NOT obey signs or directions, that they like sparkly and shiny things, lots of sweets, and of course, gold. So after Mr. Monogram and the boys put most of the trap together, the boys and I completed the final decor after school and If I do say so, I think we've got our self a mighty fine leprechaun trap.<br /><p style="text-align: center;" class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPjmdcCP2g_ioDuSxlm8_cGiUxdyQ8q3rtv0Io-KMh-TKgRmQbfoOAE5sqbsWy5-M7sjkEKCTfZG-fHOn0UJiV2Xd8909aTT50xSj0G-Cp_n1fSdqAXIYFjwsVAVzqCFbWrITQg/s1600-h/IMG00113-776431.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPjmdcCP2g_ioDuSxlm8_cGiUxdyQ8q3rtv0Io-KMh-TKgRmQbfoOAE5sqbsWy5-M7sjkEKCTfZG-fHOn0UJiV2Xd8909aTT50xSj0G-Cp_n1fSdqAXIYFjwsVAVzqCFbWrITQg/s320/IMG00113-776431.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449230208969985394" border="0" /></a></p> <div style="text-align: center;">{The outside of our trap says "NO Leprechauns Allowed!" The leprechaun will enter through the tiny door w/ the gold pathway where there is a sign that tells him NOT to stand on that stack of coins and pull that green string for more gold coins. When he pulls it, because of course they do NOT follow directions, it dumps over the bucket with the marble, the marble goes down the steps, into the yellow bucket, and the trap falls down on TOP og the leprechan who us standing on the stack of gold coins. TRAPPED!}<br /><br /></div>At our school, the kindergartner's will lay their leprechaun traps outside their rooms along the hallway, and their 8th grade buddies will come fill them up with treats and so forth to make it look like leprechauns came. Cute, right? Then tomorrow, while they are in Music class, the homeroom mom's are coming in and "tricking" out the classroom and bringing in green lemonade, green cupcakes, etc. I can't wait to see their little faces.<br /><br />Now, if you want to set up some tricks of your own, check out <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/162167/10_ways_to_have_some_leprechaun_fun.html">this</a>, & <a href="http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/mb.asp?cmd=display&thread_id=2752547">this</a>. And for trap ideas you can easily whip up today, go look at <a href="http://familycrafts.about.com/od/leprechauns/ig/Leprechaun-Trap-Photos/">this</a>, and <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/to-catch-a-leprechaun-710897/">this</a>. Happy St. Paddy's Day!Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-76087353904506269432010-03-09T16:22:00.001-05:002010-03-09T19:39:01.259-05:0020 Minute ChopsMaybe someday my kids won't be suck picky eaters, but until that day arrives, I'm pretty much resigned to making multiple meals each night. To be fair, they HAVE gotten slightly better, I totally have to give credit to our school lunch lady, Ms. Rhonda. However, now that there's so much of Ms. Rhonda's food they'll eat, mine is always second best.<br /><br />KIDS: Mom, what are we having for dinner?<br /><br />Me: Taco's!!KIDS: OH <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">GROSSS</span>.. Ms. Rhonda's taco's are way better than yours.<br /><br />Me: Well she gave me her recipe so they'll be exactly the same from now on. Isn't that great?!<br /><br />KIDS: Mom. We know she didn't give you her recipe.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><br /><br />Sooo</span>, anyway. Here I sit playing second fiddle to the school lunch lady. But that's okay. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Luckily</span>, Mr. M will eat pretty much anything, which is a good thing because since having picky eating children, I no longer enjoy cooking. And not enjoying cooking + having to make multiple meals = inventing easy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">peasy</span> good tasting recipes. Here's Mr. M's newest favorite that literally takes me about 20 minutes from start to finish. <br /><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0vv54qvfCUSy8t9JnItkF9zZ1gmg_VqnGl5_F27rlVJyG7BRx0kOHKs-4Ft1kye5axqa9UfZ-9o3qV8-rXZ3WtdZN-FdpiAiUn2vH0Ul2DF_NiK7rhfIDxG2uwQDrHbVi2dROg/s1600-h/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FSU1HMDAwNzUuanBn%3F=-791851"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0vv54qvfCUSy8t9JnItkF9zZ1gmg_VqnGl5_F27rlVJyG7BRx0kOHKs-4Ft1kye5axqa9UfZ-9o3qV8-rXZ3WtdZN-FdpiAiUn2vH0Ul2DF_NiK7rhfIDxG2uwQDrHbVi2dROg/s320/=%3Futf-8%3FB%3FSU1HMDAwNzUuanBn%3F=-791851" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446748207978050162" border="0" /></a></p> <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pear & Apricot Glazed Pork Chops</span></span><br /><br />-Boneless pork chops<br />-Low sodium soy sauce<br />-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Emeril's</span> Essence (spices)<br />-Vegetable spray<br />-Jar of Pear & Apricot Preserves (mixed)<br /><br />1) Marinate the Pork chops in the soy sauce and also put the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Emeril's</span> Essence on them.<br /><br />2) Once marinated for about 30 minutes, I spray the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">skillet</span> with vegetable spray, and cook the pork chops (You can also do this on your indoor grill or even outdoor grill. This is just the quickest way.)<br /><br />3) When pork chops are almost done cooking, put 1 or 2 tablespoons (use to your discretion) of the Pear and Apricot Preserves on top of each pork chop.<br /><br />4) I like to take the lid to a pot and put it over the pan at this point so the preserves will thin and get warmer quicker. <br /><br />5) Once the preserves have warmed up and the meat is cooked through, that's it!<br /><br />*Note* I always serve rice with this meal.Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-79619857629202503272010-03-01T12:49:00.004-05:002010-03-01T13:12:25.469-05:00March Brings ChangeHappy March! We are expecting more snow tomorrow and Wednesday but I just know Spring is around the corner there somewhere. I'm not one to complain about the snow, however, because I really love it. Trust me, I know I'm the minority on this though, with the exception of my twitter friend <a href="http://twitter.com/kmwa">@kmwa</a>!<br /><br />March is starting off w/ a lot of change for me. As of today, I have resigned from Paper Concierge to pursue my SWAG (Southern Wears & Gifts) line on Etsy. With that means new designs, new products, a new website, and wait for it... WHOLESALING! I'm so excited that I'll be able to offer this to retailers because over the years I have had a good bit of inquiry into wholesaling my tee's but haven't been able to do that. However, I'm in the process of purchasing my own equipment (press), large format printer, etc. to be able to do all the printing myself now, and not have to outsource a third party for my tee's. I will still continue to use a third party for my custom cards and stationery, however, perhaps in the future that will be able to change as well. One thing at a time for now, though!<br /><br />Anyway, I am beyond excited. Last week I got my business licence, resale license, tax ID #, and even opened a business bank account. This is all completely foreign to me though and to be quite frank, I have no clue what I'm doing! But, that's okay, I'll figure it out. I have had a couple great blogging friends in the industry who have been a HUGE support for me and really encouraged me to do this. You know who you are, and you know I could not and would not be doing this were it not for your encouragement and assistance!<br /><br />Stay tuned for all the new things coming your way! And if there's anything you want to see, let me know!<br /><br />Bring on the change, March!Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-47556281664223082322010-02-26T08:46:00.002-05:002010-02-26T09:02:48.574-05:00Let's Get This Party Started!It's party day! And I'm beginning to think I've completely gone ape shit and lost my mind to have 8 boys sleeping over (plus my 2 which makes a grand total of 10). Oh well, we can always nap tomorrow.<br /><br />After much hemming and hawing, I finally figured out the party favors and they are ADORABLE if I do say so myself (which of course, I'm going to). I ended up finding large red, white, and blue sports bottles and I custom created labels for each boy's bottle which also match the invites I designed. I'll go into more detail on the labels next week when I post a picture, but they are going to be great. Super easy, super easy on your wallet, and oh so cute!<br /><br />I've got a million errands to run today so I had to reschedule my 9:30 hair appointment. I seriously don't think my hair has been this long since I was a senior in HS. I can't even reach all the way to the bottom of it when I brush the back of it, it is THAT. LONG. Ugh. At this point nothing would make me happier than for Vidal Sassoon to show up on my doorstep and just cut it already since I keep having to reschedule this appointment.<br /><br />Anyway, before I rush off this morning I thought I'd share 2 fun little activities since 1) I am hosting an Olympic Birthday Sleepover tonight and 2) the Olympics end this weekend (BOOOOO!). Check 'em out...<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.classroomjr.com/free-winter-olympics-bingo-game/">Fun Winter Olympics Bingo Game</a> for the whole family (because as you know, the Monograms are some game loving people)</li><li><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/akdobbins/the-2010-opening-ceremonies-drinking-game">2010 Closing Ceremonies Drinking Game</a> for the over 21 set. So this is really written for the opening ceremonies, but can totally still work for the closing ceremonies as well. Hell, let the kids play Bingo and the adults play this game and it's sure to make Vancouver 2010 memorable for all!<br /></li></ul>Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-75640264376106785642010-02-23T16:24:00.003-05:002010-02-23T16:31:16.977-05:00Party FavorsFor once I am at a loss. With the help of Mr. M, I think I've gotten the details of this "Lego Olympics" party down. Although to be truthful, it is turning out to be more wii Olympics and notsomuch "lego" if you catch my drift. Anyhoo, I'm having an issue with party favors. I have a call into a local chocolate specialty shop to see if they can create a chocolate snowboarder or chocolate olympic rings or even a chocolate olympic medal. Fingers crossed on that but if not, what else can I do for a great party favor? I don't like to do the generic bag of crap and it's too late for me to call <a href="http://www.weddingcookie.com/">my favorite cookie lady</a> to do favors.<br /><br />Any ideas?Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-26553875428360253872010-02-22T16:42:00.002-05:002010-02-22T16:51:59.814-05:00Let's TalkSo, it's been 3 long months since I've sat down and giving this blog any attention. Forgive me for ignoring all of you, but many of you I have kept up w/ and interacted with via <a href="http://www.twitter.com/cmolino">Twitter</a>, so I haven't been completely gone. At any rate, the past 3 months were super busy with Paper Concierge, my Etsy shop, my family, friends, and my fundraising at the mini's school. In a nut shell, it all turned me into a complete nut myself, but I am ready to sit back down at the keyboard and start giving my blog a little attention again.<br /><br />Right now I'm working on planning mini #1's 8th birthday party. Talk about where did time go?! I can't believe my oldest is 8 when it seems like yesterday I was calling caterers for his 1st birthday party. Don't worry, there will be no caterers this year. At 8, it seems they want sleepovers and pizza and wii games, so that I shall provide. My theme this year is the "Lego Olympics" and I'm embarassed to admit I haven't even figured out what that exactly means yet (I did, however, design a super cute invitation that everyone has loved if that counts for anything!)! I do know that we will be doing some sort of lego building competition, and also doing the wii olympics w/ medal winners. However, I need prizes and treats and medals and all sorts of stuff I can't even figure out yet. This is so not like me! And then there's the cake. I always make a big deal about the cake, but do a I have Lego Cake done or an Olympics cake done? Decisions, decisions...<br /><br />So I'm off for now to start to figure all this out, but I promise I'll be back this time. ;-)Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-91991759105270835832009-11-10T08:20:00.002-05:002009-11-10T08:27:26.230-05:00Where I've Been, What I've Been DoingI'm just popping in for a quick minute. I do have some great projects jotted down but this week I am up to my eyeballs in things to do. In short, here's what's been going on...<br /><br /><ul><li>Mini #2 has been having a difficult time w/ his lungs. Took some time off of school last week and amped up his meds and he's still recovering.</li><li>I got Advanced Upper Respiratory Bronchitis at the same time. Argh!</li><li>Participated in a great Holiday Market my friend puts on at her beautiful home every November. However, this wasn't so much fun because of the above statement.</li><li>We are close to FINALLY putting the house on the market any day now. FINALLY!!! However, this means we've been crazy getting things checked off our "to-do" list and get all the pictures done.</li></ul>And now, because I've got to whip together new window treatments for our Master Bath before the house goes on the market, it is off to the sewing machine I go!!Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-32638600633718761132009-11-03T15:41:00.003-05:002009-11-03T15:53:35.352-05:00Surprise Sales!<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;" class="UIStory_Message">SURPRISE SALE! Now through Wednesday @ 5pm E.S.T., buy 1 get 1 HALF OFF on all Donovan Designs notepad sets PLUS receive a pink and green "mini" pad of 50 sheets for FREE with each order. Perfect for "From the Mom Of" notepads for Holiday gift giving with dozens of designs to chose from! Use code <span style="font-style: italic;">donovanpad </span>at checkout. <span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/ylcthlf">CLICK HERE!!</a><br /><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8XrBOKQbeLO55KLfQy-s6M5woNvf6OqNglOm6u5g2mQKKOA2YNGFUPyBa9kSuhPU3riJkKBbB_HCDGhJ1AG1GSMXEIYGAJJVpXvPXQ7EwAcYJsEb2UfRV7tPiT82BBMsUjKOJg/s1600-h/AK-Kate-Blue.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8XrBOKQbeLO55KLfQy-s6M5woNvf6OqNglOm6u5g2mQKKOA2YNGFUPyBa9kSuhPU3riJkKBbB_HCDGhJ1AG1GSMXEIYGAJJVpXvPXQ7EwAcYJsEb2UfRV7tPiT82BBMsUjKOJg/s320/AK-Kate-Blue.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399983154408192578" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">But wait! That's not all!</span><span class="UIStory_Message"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>100 Whitney English photo cards printed for $86? We are NOT kidding! While supplies last so HURRY!!! <span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://tinyurl.com/yza699f">CLICK HERE!</a></span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBbDQa6MEctOXFB0KvRhi46CxM6BFYQfvFgo57-rLyer9fPwyn0lZTmpzN9lcLMOg9OJ8Yoz9VpLW_oIXW8m5re92MO1TFO8b1Kx3femI_BNe1EkYTDY3cQ161zV7CLlpzFFWXw/s1600-h/WEphotoSale.PNG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBbDQa6MEctOXFB0KvRhi46CxM6BFYQfvFgo57-rLyer9fPwyn0lZTmpzN9lcLMOg9OJ8Yoz9VpLW_oIXW8m5re92MO1TFO8b1Kx3femI_BNe1EkYTDY3cQ161zV7CLlpzFFWXw/s320/WEphotoSale.PNG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399983156742492178" border="0" /></a>Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-2088269369059395372009-11-02T16:27:00.004-05:002009-11-02T16:47:29.132-05:00Time to Unload<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpQEqjBLTu3Jw0wkzRsX4o02gXxJUrw_ZPdwNKmCkPBBIBXI3v1_uGAlkk_wRN5HSlUjaGtetesapgldYfUgVzocGLidWcojOq0ydAD6Jh4JMZSxfsVjNANBVIg8dBqYiBnM_qQ/s1600-h/Retro+VOlunteer+Stop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpQEqjBLTu3Jw0wkzRsX4o02gXxJUrw_ZPdwNKmCkPBBIBXI3v1_uGAlkk_wRN5HSlUjaGtetesapgldYfUgVzocGLidWcojOq0ydAD6Jh4JMZSxfsVjNANBVIg8dBqYiBnM_qQ/s320/Retro+VOlunteer+Stop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399625441802744450" border="0" /></a><br />I consider myself very lucky to be able to be a stay-at-home mom. Not a day doesn't go by that I don't appreciate it, or realize what a luxury it truly is. And one of the great things about being able to stay home is that I have plenty of time to volunteer. Or so I thought I had plenty of time.<br /><br />As it turns out, when you spend all your "free time" volunteering, that means you have no time for the things that actually fall under the job description of being a SAHM. Those things include (but are not limited to) washing, folding, & putting away laundry, loading and unloading the dishwasher, cleaning the extra dishes in the sink, all the additional housework such as cleaning toilets, changing sheets, vacuuming, dusting, etc., and grocery shopping. Coincidentally, these are also the things I've been royally sucking at lately because I've completely over committed myself. At the beginning of the year I felt like because the boys were in school, I had plenty of time to give to their school, and this was important for me to do as a SAHM. But now that's taken all my time, and today I finally had a break down. And there were tears.<br /><br />You see, somewhere between my fundraising (which I love and wouldn't ever give up), cafeteria duty, home room mom duty (times TWO, mind you because I certainly don't want to hurt either of my kids feelings), field trips, and sewing All Saints costumes all day Saturday and Sunday, it hit me that all these things that I normally love, are just "Things To Do" now. I love All Saints Day. But I was miserable sewing and crafting these costumes all weekend long, and just wanted to get it over with. I'm stressed beyond belief, and all because I was so afraid of having nothing to do to pass the time while the boys were in school, that now I have no time to do the things I actually <span style="font-style: italic;">should </span>be doing. Are you still with me?<br /><br />So tomorrow is a new day. Tomorrow I start to say "no." Tomorrow I start to say "I would love to but my plate is full." I am determined to enjoy the Holiday season in my clean and organized home with my children, and that begins tomorrow.Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-82913885985788516582009-10-30T14:09:00.003-04:002009-10-30T14:16:25.916-04:00Last Minute Recession Friendly Halloween CostumesAnd by recession friendly, ya'll know I totally me C-H-E-A-P. I ran accross these somehow and thought I'd post them on here in case any of you are headed to a Halloween party this weekend and still don't have a costume. Some of these are hilarious, and you can totally pull off last-minute!<br /><br />1. A Highway: Wear all black sweat suit, stick on white or yellow tape on your legs and chest to resemble lines in a road. Attach tiny cars and road signs onto your pants and shirt. <p>2. Nudist on Strike: Wear normal clothes and wear a sign around your neck that says “Nudist on Strike.” </p><p>3. Flasher: Wear regular clothes under a long trench <a id="KonaLink0" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/halloweenweird_sdsu.htm#"><span style="color: blue ! important; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static;color:blue;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: blue ! important; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static;">coat</span></span></a>. Make a belt out of flashbulbs or old cameras. Tell people you are a flasher and then flash at will. </p><p>4. Grim Reaper on Vacation: Buy or make a Grim Reaper outfit, but then wear a lei or flowered <a id="KonaLink1" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/halloweenweird_sdsu.htm#"><span style="color: blue ! important; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static;color:blue;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: blue ! important; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static;">necklace</span></span></a>, a camera around your neck, Bermuda shorts, paint your nose white (like lifeguards) and carry around some postcards or a map. </p><p>5. Typical Tourist: Wear a big floppy hat, flowered shirt and long shorts, flip-flop sandals and a camera around your neck. Carry a map and look lost all the time. </p><p>6. Cheating Husband: Men can wear a button down shirt that is buttoned all wrong, pants slightly unzipped, shoes untied or on wrong feet, lipstick kisses on collar, shirt, neck or even on pants and <a id="KonaLink2" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/halloweenweird_sdsu.htm#"><span style="color: blue ! important; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static;color:blue;" ><span class="kLink" style="border-bottom: 1px solid blue; color: blue ! important; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static; background-color: transparent;">hair</span></span><span style="position: relative;" class="preLoadWrap" id="preLoadWrap2"><div style="position: absolute; z-index: 4000; top: -32px; left: -18px; display: none;" id="preLoadLayer2"><img style="border: 0px none ;" src="http://kona.kontera.com/javascript/lib/imgs/grey_loader.gif" /></div></span></a> messed up. Tell people you didn’t dress in costume, you forgot about the party and just dropped what you were doing to come over. </p><p>7. Cheating Wife: Women can wear a <a id="KonaLink3" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/halloweenweird_sdsu.htm#"><span style="color: blue ! important; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static;color:blue;" ><span class="kLink" style="border-bottom: 1px solid blue; color: blue ! important; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static; background-color: transparent;">skirt</span></span></a> with the back tucked into pantyhose; hair messed up, make-up smeared and bra on the outside of shirt. </p><p>8. Undecided: Wear solid colored clothing and cut question marks out of paper. Staple or <a id="KonaLink4" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/halloweenweird_sdsu.htm#"><span style="color: blue ! important; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static;color:blue;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: blue ! important; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static;">pin</span></span></a> them to your outfit and when people ask what you are tell them either “I don’t know, what am I?” or “It’s still a mystery.” </p><p>9. Ultimate Superhero: Gather together many elements of superhero costumes such as Superman’s Cape, Batman’s mask, Green Lantern’s ring, etc. and wear them all. </p><p>10. Twister Game: Buy a Twister game. Staple ribbon to two corners of the spinner and tie the ribbon under your chin so the spinner becomes a “hat.” Cut a hole in the center of the Twister mat and wear it like a poncho. All night long you can tell people to “put left hand on red” and so on. </p><p>11. Web Surfer: Wear a wetsuit like surfers wear, then drape yourself with fake cobwebs. </p><p>12. Matchstick or Cigarette: Wear all white clothing with a red stocking cap. For a cigarette try wearing tan pants or cut white pants short and sew brown material from the end of the shorts down to your ankles. This makes the filter. If you can make a belt or sash with a brand name of the cigarette, even better! </p><p>13. Leaf Blower: Wear regular clothes. Wear a hat with a leaf hanging down from the rim so that the leaf is in front of your face. When people ask what you are blow on he leaf and make them guess. </p><p>14. Tornado: Wear all black or gray clothing. Sew strings of varying lengths all over your outfit. On the ends of the string, tie on tiny houses, people, cars, animals, etc. When people ask what you are, spin around fast and make sounds like a tornado. </p><p>15. Cereal Killer: Clothing should be kind of rugged and torn. Carry a bloody knife and have blood on your clothes. Attach labels or actual little cereal boxes all over your clothes. </p><p>16. Miss Matched: Dress in a gown such as a <a id="KonaLink5" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/halloweenweird_sdsu.htm#"><span style="color: blue ! important; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static;color:blue;" ><span class="kLink" style="border-bottom: 1px solid blue; color: blue ! important; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static; background-color: transparent;">beauty</span></span><span style="position: relative;" class="preLoadWrap" id="preLoadWrap5"><div style="position: absolute; z-index: 4000; top: -32px; left: -18px; display: none;" id="preLoadLayer5"><img style="border: 0px none ;" src="http://kona.kontera.com/javascript/lib/imgs/grey_loader.gif" /></div></span></a> queen might wear. Buy wide ribbon long enough for a sash around your shoulder. On the sash write “Miss Matched.” Then wear your makeup different on both sides of your face, your hair styled different, different earrings, different shoes and different colored nail polish. </p><p>17. Killer Bee: Buy a bee costume. Smear some fake blood on it and carry a fake weapon. </p><p>18. Spelling Bee: Buy a bee costume. Attach felt or Velcro letters to your suit and carry some around with you. If you can get enough little letters in Velcro your friends will have fun spelling words on you! </p><p>19. Peeping Tom: Wear regular clothes and a name tag that says “Tom”. Make a window frame out of cardboard, even add curtains if you are feeling real creative. When people ask what you are, hold up the “window” and peep through it. </p><p>20. Red Riding in the Hood: Buy or make a red cape with hood. Have tattoos on your arms, a spiked collar, lots of piercing, etc. and talk tough all night long. </p><p>21. In the Shower: Wrap a towel around your body (wearing a tube top and shorts under the towel is optional). Wrap a towel around your head turban style or wear a shower cap. Carry a rubber duck and a back scrubber. </p><p>22. Cat Burglar: Wear black clothes, black stocking cap, ski mask or Lone Ranger-style mask. Carry a bag with some stuffed cats peeking out. </p><p>23. Kissing Booth: Find a box big enough to fit over your body. Cut or open the bottom and top of the box so that you can slip into the box. Tie rope onto one end of the box so the ropes can go over your shoulders (this will hold the box on you). Wear sexy clothes and have lipstick kisses on your clothes and face. On the box write “Kisses, $1.00.” </p><p>24. Work in Progress: Wear all white clothes, a sweat suit works best. Using a black permanent marker, you should draw shapes or bodily outlines all over your suit. Color some of the pieces/shapes in. Carry paints of markers with you and tell people you are a work in progress. Color on your costume all night long. Or, for more fun, have others color on you. </p><p>25. Self-Portrait. Wear a shirt that is light-colored enough for you to sign your name in the bottom corner. Make a picture frame out of cardboard or wood. When people ask what you are hold up your picture frame. The frame should be big enough so that from waist up you are in the frame and your signature is in the bottom corner like a portrait. </p><p>26. Fried Egg: Wear all white. Attach a piece of yellow felt to your stomach. </p><p>27. Sunny Side up Eggs: Wear all white. Attach a piece of yellow felt to your derriere. When people ask what you are bend over and say “sunny side up.” </p><p>28. Sleepy Housewife: Put your hair up in curlers; wear a bathrobe, no makeup and yawn a lot. Don’t forget fuzzy bunny slippers! This is especially funny for guys to dress up as. </p><p>29. Hump Day (Wednesday): <a id="KonaLink6" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/halloweenweird_sdsu.htm#"><span style="color: blue ! important; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static;color:blue;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: blue ! important; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static;">Fashion</span></span></a> a hump out of wadded up paper, material or foam and shove it under a short so that you have a hump on your back. On the front of your shirt, write either the word “day” or pull out one day on a daily calendar and pin it to your shirt. </p><p>30. Con Artist: Wear a “prison” uniform…the kind that is white with black stripes. Wear a beret hat and carry around an artist pallet and paint brush. </p><p>31. Horror Movie Victim: Mess up your hair, smear fake blood on clothes and face, and tear clothes so they are ragged. Walk around looking real paranoid and scream a lot. </p><p>32. Black and White Silent Film Star: Wear black and white clothes. Paint all showing <a id="KonaLink7" target="undefined" class="kLink" style="text-decoration: underline ! important; position: static;" href="http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/halloweenweird_sdsu.htm#"><span style="color: blue ! important; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static;color:blue;" ><span class="kLink" style="color: blue ! important; font-family: verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; font-size: 13px; position: static;">skin</span></span></a> light gray or white with gray shading around eyes, mouth, nose, etc. Do not talk all night. Or, mouth the words without speaking and hold up signs when done “speaking” (just like how silent films show the scene then show the subtitles). </p><p>33. Exterminator: Wear coveralls. Attach plastic bugs and spiders all over the outfit. </p><p>34. Gum under the Table: Make a small cardboard table and wear it on your head. Dress in all pink. </p><p>35. Picnic: buy or make a white and red checkered picnic blanket. Attach plastic or paper plates, plastic utensils and plastic food to it. Cut a hole in the center and wear the cloth like a poncho. Add some fake ants for that authentic effect! </p><p>36. Gum under a Shoe: Take an old shoe and if the laces are long enough tie them under your chin and wear the shoe like a hat. If laces are too short tie string onto the lace ends to make them longer. Wear all pink. For the best effect let your clothes get wrinkly to look like wadded up gum. </p><p>37. Perfume Sales Girl: Dress in really nice clothes and lots of makeup. Carry around many samples of perfume and squirt people all night long. </p><p>38. Under the Weather: On a hat attach clouds (cardboard and cotton balls), the sun, lightning bolts and raindrops. </p><p>39. Cloudy with a Chance of Showers: Attach cotton balls to a hat and clothes for clouds. When people ask what you are say “cloudy, with a chance of showers” and squirt them with a squirt gun. </p><p>40. Chain Smoker: Wrap chains around yourself and have a pack of cigarettes sticking out of your shirt pocket. </p><p>41. Jack-in-the-box: Find a box big enough to go around your waist. Attach rope to it for shoulder straps. Wear a name tag that says “Jack.” </p><p>42. Stood-Up Prom Date: Great for women but really funny for men who want to dress as a woman. Wear a prom dress, heels and make-up. Smudge eye-make up so it looks like you have been crying. Carry a box of tissues and have several tissues tucked into your waist sash, sticking out of your bodice, or anywhere you can stash one. </p><p>43. Killing Time: Carry some broken watches and clocks and a fake weapon. Throughout the night repeatedly stab at the clocks. </p><p>44. Time is on my side: Wear regular clothes. Attach watches or clocks to one side of your outfit; wear a bunch of wristwatches on only one wrist. </p><p>45. Time Flies: Wear wings and tie string onto a clock so you can wear the clock like a necklace. </p><p>46. Cupid: Best for large guys, but funny for anyone. Wear a diaper or toga, wings, and buy one of those cheap bow and arrows with the suction cups. Attach paper hearts to the suction cup end. Wear a ribbon sash that says “Cupid” </p><p>47. Spirit of Halloween: Wear black and orange. Attach as many Halloween decorations as you can to your outfit. </p><p>48. Read between the Lines: Wear a striped outfit or a solid colored outfit and draw strips on with a permanent or fabric marker. In between the lines write words or sentences. </p><p>49. The Bottom Line: Sweat pants will work best. Stuff the back of the sweat pants with newspaper or material to make it big. Draw or use colored tape to the seat of the pants. </p><p>50. Ice Queen: Wear white or light blue. Buy icicle decorations (like the kind for Christmas decorations) and drape them all over your body. Wear a silver crown or tiara.</p><span style="font-size:78%;">Source:<a href="http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/halloweenweird_sdsu.htm"> Essortment</a></span>Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-69554387530831934182009-10-30T07:08:00.004-04:002009-10-30T07:12:26.698-04:00Flu Be DamnedAfter weeks, possibly months of us hiding under a rock and me scrubbing my children day and night with antibacterial soap, hand cleanser, & Lysol, the unthinkable happened. Mini #2 threw up last night. THREE TIMES. For you mom's keeping score, that is also 3 sheet changes on a day that I'd JUST changed sheets on the beds, so I'm completely out of sheets now and have been running my washing machine through the entire night and early morning. Ladies, I am TIRED.<br /><br />I'll try to surface later, but right now I'm heading back into the trenches.Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-84834886932242915622009-10-28T07:38:00.004-04:002009-10-28T07:52:36.371-04:00Platter Giveaway Winner!!We have a winner, folks! First of all, thank you to everyone for all the congratulatory Anniversary wishes. Ya'll are all too sweet! I have loved every second of the past year with <a href="http://www.cmolino.paperconcierge.com">Paper Concierge</a> and am so happy I found it. Second of all, ya'll sure do love a cute platter!! Thank so so much for the enthusiasm and entries! Unfortunately there is only one winner, so here's how it broke down...<br /><br />Everyone was assigned numbers based off of how many entries she had. For example, if one person earned 9 entries, then she was assigned numbers 1-9. If the next person earned 3 entries, then she was assigned numbers, 10-12. And so on and so forth. When all was said and done, everyone earned a grand total of 65 entries combined, and that was put into the random number generator at <a href="http://www.random.org">Random.Org</a> (see below).<br /><br />So the winning number was #57, making <a href="http://www.thirdcoastpreppy.com/">Third Coast Preppy</a> the winner of my Anniversary Giveaway!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEKFfi1jvB6KScay51lSTT_OJkCRibrzS8yzCNoDq-su3ew9dAqvD53AXtBePDbq1MnW_vdmcXmCT6EoFQ3Oh62fP9smSvb5Yr3-hf2pbxJXcvPA4-XwmU9reMwai8u_pThX0eA/s1600-h/PlatterRandomNumber.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 171px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEKFfi1jvB6KScay51lSTT_OJkCRibrzS8yzCNoDq-su3ew9dAqvD53AXtBePDbq1MnW_vdmcXmCT6EoFQ3Oh62fP9smSvb5Yr3-hf2pbxJXcvPA4-XwmU9reMwai8u_pThX0eA/s200/PlatterRandomNumber.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397616818763249938" border="0" /></a>Congratulations, Third Coast Prep!! You're monogrammed brown and white lattice platter will be on it's way to you soon, so you'll have it just in time for Thanksgiving! I am going to plan on doing another giveaway soon, so stay tuned. If there's anything in particular you guys want to see in a giveaway, let me know!Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-61230590332497538122009-10-27T12:34:00.005-04:002009-10-27T12:41:22.991-04:00Tuesday Dash Sale: Dabney Lee TODAY ONLY!Get ready because the Tuesday Dash has started! <span style="font-weight: bold;">TODAY ONLY</span>, buy 1 Dabney Lee monogrammed salt & pepper shaker, get the second 1/2 price! This makes them a total of $30 each. The perfect price for the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list.<br /><br />Use code <span style="font-style: italic;">shaker </span>at checkout.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://cmolino.paperconcierge.com/store/display_product_details/1802">**ONLY AT PAPER CONCIERGE!**</a></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_l9u3t56kMZy_n8Aj6zX9nwKf-H-pcXZMO9_2z3n3YWWNxVRigqI8zqec9MXa_JSSxxCdYDFJIzcvqgTprfMWJLJNotzqmVyECRtN9ZG9K4CQXvvAGpoixNO2f5JD9BvDC4tCA/s1600-h/DabneyLee_122.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_l9u3t56kMZy_n8Aj6zX9nwKf-H-pcXZMO9_2z3n3YWWNxVRigqI8zqec9MXa_JSSxxCdYDFJIzcvqgTprfMWJLJNotzqmVyECRtN9ZG9K4CQXvvAGpoixNO2f5JD9BvDC4tCA/s400/DabneyLee_122.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397319908888427938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://cmolino.paperconcierge.com/store/display_product_details/1802">**ONLY AT PAPER CONCIERGE!**</a></span><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-91793695908009985552009-10-26T08:05:00.008-04:002009-10-27T07:34:34.931-04:00Anniversary Giveaway<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">**UPDATE** Oops! forgot to tell you when the giveaway deadline! You have 'til Tuesday night (tonight), 10-27-09, 10pm E.S.T. to enter. Good luck!</span><br /><br />Happy Anniversary to ME!! It's my one year anniversary with <a href="http://www.cmolino.paperconcierge.com/">Paper Concierge</a> and to celebrate, I'm starting off the week with a giveaway!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfTWTgpKbM7Yit8J0DfPn-BSy6y3jrb-rwhciI10O7yQsttCP4cq_i0Al0HefjCKBjdj4t22icBQRb9uKf52YlSQpjSDYbt0ESQXvTLvlw8cL6DkwOfMXLEuS7KH9gYZDWs2ZPw/s1600-h/brown_lattice.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfTWTgpKbM7Yit8J0DfPn-BSy6y3jrb-rwhciI10O7yQsttCP4cq_i0Al0HefjCKBjdj4t22icBQRb9uKf52YlSQpjSDYbt0ESQXvTLvlw8cL6DkwOfMXLEuS7KH9gYZDWs2ZPw/s320/brown_lattice.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396890429625830610" border="0" /></a>How cute are these new Mayfly & Junebug platters?! Perfect for tailgating, your kitchen table, beach house, or gift giving, I think you will love these platters! Instead of showing up to Thanksgiving with the same 'ol bottle bottle of wine, you could be bringing an adorable personalized platter filled with cookies and treats as your hostess gift this year!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">To Enter...</span><br /><br />1) Check out my cute new platters<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://cmolino.paperconcierge.com/store/show_by_tag/platter">here</a>,</span> then come back and leave a comment and tell me which one is your favorite. Make sure you put your email address or link to your blog so I can find you for <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">1 entry.</span></span><br /><br />2) Tweet about my giveaway w/ a link to this post & also my twitter ID, @cmolino, for<span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"> 1 entry</span></span>.<br /><br />3) Add my address to your blog Roll or become a follower for <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">2 entries</span></span>.<br /><br />4) Write a post about my giveaway on your blog for <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">3 entries.</span></span><br /><br />5) Add my Paper Concierge button to your page and link it to my site (link should go to : http://www.cmolino.paperconcierge.com) for <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">5 e</span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">ntries.</span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFziPThwCrXmRyXlt2ccUviDBj0biIJX8iIBTGr54u6OiAudLEQbBwx2CE7C9x53oQ17VE7e30IxE7fpDjO77swk1MRZbi3h8h2R7T7YHqA6h5OIjIRCaBZ3VsjSkawLhMgMyjg/s1600-h/PCbutton.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFziPThwCrXmRyXlt2ccUviDBj0biIJX8iIBTGr54u6OiAudLEQbBwx2CE7C9x53oQ17VE7e30IxE7fpDjO77swk1MRZbi3h8h2R7T7YHqA6h5OIjIRCaBZ3VsjSkawLhMgMyjg/s400/PCbutton.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396890219032977538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Do it ALL, and that's 12 possibile entry's!!!</span></span><br /></div>Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-67477104362992062572009-10-23T09:17:00.003-04:002009-10-23T09:23:39.175-04:00FLASHBACK: Halloween Costume IdeasWell, friends, it's time once again to start digging around to come up with that clever Halloween costume. And since Halloween is on a Saturday night this year (YAY!), I bet lots of you will be making the party rounds. And because I haven't had time to think of any clever new costume ideas other than the obvious Jon & Kate Gosselin (personally, my money is on this one being the most popular costume duo this year, or for the single gals, Nadya Suleman), I'm doing a flashback to my costume ideas from last year.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Halloween Costume Ideas</span></span><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">It’s that time of year again, folks. Yep. The time to start rummaging through your parents attics, your mess of a basement, the Halloween shops that have popped up on every street corner this time of year, and even (shutter) the thrift store. Why, you ask? It’s time to come up with some Halloween costumes. So with Halloween next week, this week is going to be all about costumes.<br /><br />Thankfully, this year the Monogram’s will not be attending any Costume party’s as I can’t imagine squeezing one more event into the next two weeks. But since sister #2 has a big 40th birthday costume party to attend next weekend with her husband, she and I have been wracking our brains for great ideas for the past couple weeks. Naturally, that got me thinking that you guys might want a few ideas also, so I thought I’d share a few, for those of you scrambling to come up with a great Halloween costume. Have any other great ideas? Please share in comments! </div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124135482008196978" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaVnby9DkZsWMD9FG5cicx2XYwH3g8Nlz6Hv5YQZuVO7ONjh9XxdUvy9y8xIoKkk2kxYzzUIVu7jhAIIzICfSzVcCgboLPG33SurNdk0ojH88Ju4_qbn48XglECzBWp0rkLGEtg/s320/BobRoss.jpg" border="0" /> <strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Bob Ross</span></strong><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124136048943880162" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrx2F_vprjOqlozOwbBdGPgU67xapX8DKHtSW4qOfFJgtKem9fLpQiMQenY1Z5t5dOVVbNZ9wFGrGCpM97zpMJHdC-1h08ZxAiIcS7j6isOrA11dBDuiK7TDbVwvSToLxq6hKbIg/s320/PopeyeBrutusOliveOIl.bmp" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" ><strong>Olive Oil & Popeye or Brutus<br /></strong></span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124135486303164306" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 105px; height: 254px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhazjG6ZYZeqT6ClgYD2S8nqoX7yJUZYopgygr4IRxFHSjKYvUt8VcahwYZ2Q0BLqQiBHtrxQYVlUXkal8ow8AkoYetPhHKPeV8b8Ub42bGRqVs5abZyB8AqLcZAClEkwQzjwyg/s320/greengiant.jpg" width="105" border="0" height="275" /> <p align="center"><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Green Giant<br /><br /></span></strong></p><strong></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124135486303164290" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSYRQyJGcmoqEG7B29frvuJBwPYnZW3kjXCeXkge9BynBMhyphenhyphene4CEUz2cFJx8nZVDj8fDt1sdB1oF5MHw8tt19bFh3ARYCpsCOr0meC5Pp_VAvMsxr8HXGmjCrYStMyQFWGj-Wiw/s320/CaptCrunch.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Captain Crunch</span></strong><br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124136044648912850" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXMQfTlnWnrefjTgDc_NsJdvCFg15sfHI8AxgZGH91U1oFFlH71YQTiuZY57t7vWZuybX7y1TGxCrJ-ZOfiY2lsn-ZNR6HV-v_04wA92XUUANuQKbrD0U940sLjy5_n32oOh70pA/s320/Pac_Man.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">PacMan & Ms. PacMan</span></strong><br /></span><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124136779088320498" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIseBRrMU0pqEnCsTnHf1q3_ZrlOE87AXBgevSFF8md68YFudu1iDbCX6-bl0LORg2ktiyxrBH0hT7TVpIEovtVAy4dgihq-aliKbRwEiYNNA-Wc6rLOBxmkgv6F3Ic4KFs_tf7w/s320/Martha.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Martha Stewart</span><br /></strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You had to know I would put this on my list!</span><br /><br /></span></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124142237991753730" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8E5SH2a4CnlgJozzjo42YbEYgwnKAXAaJjeLcfXMvZi1MuRB_BY2I6GZBZ2gwijphOZ01pY8gOciB-WSBUB4ySRTUNnI36bzr-_076nB1V5LOO-lfWBJdGBAw4t8Q3ZVy7JU_g/s320/thebeardedlady-frame.bmp" width="217" border="0" height="171" /> <p align="center"><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Carnival Sideshow people</span></strong><br />This is the Bearded Lady,<br />but you can get some costume ideas <a href="http://www.carnivaldiablo.com/">here</a><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124136040353945506" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnnnp4elrC73ersosWehgYUXExZALjxnJBbh_mmCXQt4ZEnkIclk8m0oAYejockkczZe1JskW_IEaLhiuzBJdTF3vze6JCcESlOhDssujBoIzn32tdMx-3BFwPeH_LmLxwjlg5A/s320/LoveBoat.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Love Boat Crew</span></strong><br />Since it's the 25th anniversary of the Love Boat, <a href="http://www.buycostumes.com/Search_All_love%20boat/Category/0/results1.aspx">these costumes </a>are<br />in your local costume shops for purchase this year!<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124136044648912834" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoy5V-ao-WiRQnFD2JE-hLml7KmHSOCkidaRcSW7eKTC02ubPyhwqXN5XirptM2gIskW_EA5j2Aa0YRQQPh7F1CKQYFVSooGjEhqrH2BZn7gV87r30kw_4i6_LneQfH7VFuTlIg/s320/gortons2.gif" border="0" /> <p align="center"><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Gortons Fisherman<br /><br /></span></strong></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124136044648912818" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhor0yz8sg1F_5xAGEdNId0a2D1nyPEEKNWvhvpdMz12UV4wJkjzVK8k1R7JvB_drPTM-lZUoU4yEkzeqBJMOLQ_MHlbmgBCDof-OEEC9oucGFxGCevEcpdmyVtSv3htikv3YVEbg/s320/mortonSaltGirl.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Morton Salt Girl<br /><br /></span></strong></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124135482008196962" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFWrWhR10kzQ9HXNr8GbpA41ChvrpuueE46SiCkH2olcnu3MaG-keBh4dz1-zv3lRO7DweWj9fy_FQQJ8NF6zsTlP5j8yZ84F0U5xKWOwTrbm1DA7ZJoet7T_-1x3JHay9eIZkA/s320/BK+Wendy.JPG" border="0" /> <p align="center"><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Burger King “King” & Wendy from Wendy’s</span></strong><br />This is my favorite idea this year!<br />You can pick up the Wendy’s wig <a href="http://www.internationalwig.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=21788">here</a> and the BK mask <a href="https://shop.bk.com/searchresult.aspx?CategoryID=3">here</a>.<br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124135477713229650" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZAAti5zU_2-vKz6hG9mr7e_Nf3RREKHzGesoxFomr7SvnRXnzuNG9D1MSCtXY7KLdz9CSKsS9aOQisAb6EGqBpHUGInbb-Wwy0_621_QXmqAgKR3HIFkzCiOJQ6gaQmt8ivxXvw/s320/alicecast.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center"><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >Mel & Flo from the tv show Alice</span></strong></p>Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-39185732048689542522009-10-20T11:44:00.002-04:002009-10-20T11:49:26.809-04:00Tuesday Dash: Sale til 3pm TODAY ONLY!Starting today, on random Tuesday's or Thursdays, we will be hosting a surprise sale on our most popular items over at Paper Concierge. So get your Christmas list together because we've got some awesome product sales coming your way!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://tinyurl.com/r4vgdt">CLICK HERE</a></span> for today's 5 hours sale on our most popular product!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://tinyurl.com/r4vgdt"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdzxzYwfiOmNKGOJAvyuaY5YfxFM2j_ige8UPxVJ92TR_sNqZdoc8AQ1C471SwVJwqqpU3JroxJ_rlPwKHkCa4CRVC545UA6Oi9LD9GlOvb6vQmltiNOGEMXipgNxJNDBDWWRLA/s400/Tuesday+Dash1020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394709601404678834" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-62388861717543880642009-10-19T06:44:00.002-04:002009-10-19T06:44:00.531-04:00Hallowenn Felt GarlandsI made my first felt bunting a few weeks ago for the Auburn/UT game and it turned out so stinkin' cute (if I do say so) that I thought to myself, "<span style="font-style: italic;">Why not make some cute Halloween garlands, while you're at it?!"</span> So I did.<br /><br />All last week, I sat in the pick-up line at the Mini's school with my scissors and felt and cut out my shapes, and now that they're completed and hung, I knew this would be a simple no-sew (yes, that's right, I said NO-SEW) project that many of you would love. As a bonus, it's also a recession friendly project because each garland cost me around $5. And that's something my wallet can get behind!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">You Will Need</span></span><br />-scissors<br />-felt (go t JoAnn's and it's on sale this time of year in just about every color under the sun. Have them cut yardage for you. I bought 1/2 yard and it was perfect for my 2 garlands. Sure, you can go to the craft section and buy it in squares for 4/$1, but trust me when I tell you that you get more for your money when you have the yardage cut)<br />-glue gun<br />-narrow bias tape in your choice of color & length (in the sewing area, usually near the thread)<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:130%;" >Directions</span><br />1) Cruise around online or in clip art for the perfect shape (pumpkin, crossbones, skull, bat, leaves, etc).<br /><br />2) insert it into a word document in your desired size<br /><br />3) print out the graphic, then cut it out.<br /><br />4) trace onto your felt (tip: if using black felt, you will want to use a paint pen for your tracing)<br /><br />5) cut out your shapes once stenciled onto the felt in the desired quantity (I just wing the quantity. If I need more, I cut more, if I need less, then well, I just throw the left-over away).<br /><br />6) Meanwhile, heat up your glue gun so it's nice and hot.<br /><br />7) Lay out your bias tape and decide how you want to make your garland look. I did two looks: 1 look my bats are overlapping and I actually didn't use any bias tape, but for my skull & crossbones, I used the bias tape so I wouldn't have to cut out as many shapes (only because that one had to be really long for my entire entry way banister).<br /><br />8) Once you have your garland laid out how you want, glue in the appropriate spots, and you're done.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Here are what my end results look like...</span><br />(sorry for the terrible cell phone pictures, but honestly, I was too lazy to drag out my camera)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuu1G4dne6e4x2MRAWVgfSqy65mord0GYsN1z7Mb_WAAvCD07XvT9MaoeT_3POcNlZC-UHRIjRrhGRBq3Oq7ilttIH72V0UXlR1JrxZX_PCcfnfd9FBJhBnqq_YlACxzuZZY0Ug/s1600-h/MMcrossbonesGarland.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuu1G4dne6e4x2MRAWVgfSqy65mord0GYsN1z7Mb_WAAvCD07XvT9MaoeT_3POcNlZC-UHRIjRrhGRBq3Oq7ilttIH72V0UXlR1JrxZX_PCcfnfd9FBJhBnqq_YlACxzuZZY0Ug/s320/MMcrossbonesGarland.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394004008610536674" border="0" /></a>Skull & crossbones down the front stairway<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMaCQmSN7iU1aa3cEbBHnc8DIuTPLyUILQp-5Mjw6JtuBtSWD8YPrKZmw-nqzX5cWOMIH6XRVZPFFbU8h5H_2fAfW03KsifJk8EPIOo5CrJ2xrBNe9960TtoEdkfL1Qmro1WTGLQ/s1600-h/MMbatGarland.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMaCQmSN7iU1aa3cEbBHnc8DIuTPLyUILQp-5Mjw6JtuBtSWD8YPrKZmw-nqzX5cWOMIH6XRVZPFFbU8h5H_2fAfW03KsifJk8EPIOo5CrJ2xrBNe9960TtoEdkfL1Qmro1WTGLQ/s320/MMbatGarland.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394004003493953106" border="0" /></a>Spooky bats draped across the family room mantle.<br /></div>Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30386584.post-40282742721543068792009-10-15T08:11:00.002-04:002009-10-15T08:12:15.358-04:00Love!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAo4v97Hvvw_QWqsYhYycsd3l25JefWzvuKm8a3-cuRF7nVSNeGpxgza7PTfEcKgcSd_BKCmDqkWnFh46xEPckeFHygU6CEFIJdAsxHOGZUtwQLdnyvUfhD7ezfyQQDtRGPLwxg/s1600-h/atierneypony.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAo4v97Hvvw_QWqsYhYycsd3l25JefWzvuKm8a3-cuRF7nVSNeGpxgza7PTfEcKgcSd_BKCmDqkWnFh46xEPckeFHygU6CEFIJdAsxHOGZUtwQLdnyvUfhD7ezfyQQDtRGPLwxg/s400/atierneypony.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392798393752439602" border="0" /></a>Monogram Mommahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395592127867073467noreply@blogger.com0