National Stationery Show Recap

What a great 3 days in New York! The NSS was fantastic, although from what I've been told, slightly smaller this year due to the economy, and some popular companies such as Boatman Geller were no-shows. However, it was still great. And if you've never been to Javits Convention Center in NY, then let me just tell you how big it is. HUGE. No, ENORMOUS.

I wasn't there five minutes when I literally ran smack into the talented Kristin Pearce. I mean, LITERALLY we ran into each other and started screaming like schoolgirls we were so excited to see each other. We've "known" each other for the past 3 years but this was the first time meeting in person and it was like we'd known each other forever. We met up for lunch later in the day where The Preppy Princess and the Princess Consort met up with us as well. Talk about FABULOUS! I can not wait to see PP and her husband again and get to spend some more time with them. Another person I finally connected with in person was the fabulous Grove Gal K and her partner Grove Gal E. LOVED THEM! I wish I'd gotten to spend some more time with them but hopefully I'll see them again soon (Atlanta, perhaps?).

It was also fantastic to finally meet all the designers that I've been blogging about for the past 3 years (Hello, Whitney English!) and to also spend a delicious dinner at a fun little Irish Pub with another preppy blogger, Suz. Suz is another blogging buddy I've known for years so she was so sweet to come pick me up at Javits after working all day, then take me out and make sure I got got on the correct train as well. We had a fun dinner mixed with a few beers so I can't wait to see her again too! Oh! Probably the most important person I finally got to meet in real life, was Caroline, owner of Paper Concierge. We talk every other day and although I've been with Paper Concierge since October, we've never met. Crazy! Anyway, she is as awesome as I knew she would be and I loved getting to spend time with her at the show. We had a great time and I look forward to seeing her again.

While I think my feet are still trying to recover from all the walking and I do have some funny NJ Public Transportation stories (as in a very nice Asian family taking pity on me and helping me with my luggage on the first day and then taking me all the way to Ridgewood, NJ where my bff lives), I would do it again a million times over. It was so amazing being in one place with so many creative people; it was truly inspiring!

Just Flew In & Boy, Are My Arms Tired!

I just returned home from 3 days in New York for the National Stationery Show. Fantastic! Upon entering my bedroom last night, I was attacked by 2 little boys and 1 large chocolate lab. It was nice to be home! However, I'm fairly certain that when Summer Break starts next week I'll have to remind them how much they missed me when they complain I am boring.

Unfortunately I don't even have time to unpack, let alone do a decent post for you this morning as I am dashing out the door for mini #1's first grade field trip. I will, however, be back tomorrow, complete with loads of details and pictures!

Happy Hump Day!

Start Spreadin' the News

I'm leavin' on Sunday! New York, here I come!

Sunday morning I am leaving at o'dark thirty to head to New York for the National Stationery Show. I am SUPER excited about seeing and meeting all the fabulous designers out there that we carry at Paper Concierge and whom I've also been blogging about for the past three years.

I'll be staying with my bff who just had her first baby all of 4 weeks ago, so I'm beyond excited to get to see her and get my hands on that sweet baby girl of hers. It's been killing me being so far away from her during this exciting time in her life. However, that means I'll be commuting from Ridgewood, NJ into the city and that makes for one very nervous Monogram Momma! YIKES! Transportation tips are welcome!

Monday evening I will be meeting up with Suz for a bite to eat and a drink or two, so if you're in the city, we'd love to have you join us! Email me if you're interested!

Discount: Lemontree Paperie through 6/7/08

Yep! Another stationery discount code! Are you guys lucky or what? Many times in the past I've mentioned how much I love this online shop because it has so much to offer. It's one stop stationery shopping with all your favorites such as Whitney English, Boatman Geller, and Fontaine Maury just to name a few.

Enter MOMMA$20 at checkout and receive $20 off orders of $100 now through June 7th. That only gives you 4 days to decide what to buy so hop to it and enjoy!

Lauren Goessling Designs

Hi everyone! It's another beautiful day here on vacation and I'm getting lots of sun and rest. As I promised, I wanted to hop on and let you know that the uber talented Lauren Goessling (whom I've written about many times before on my blog), has graciously extended a very generous discount to Monogram Momma readers. This is VERY exciting because it's been 2 YEARS since she last extended a discount to anyone. My point? Take advantage of this one, girls!

School is coming to an end, Mothers Day and Fathers Day are around the corner, and let's not forget that a girl can never have enough stationery for herself! Click on over to Lauren's shop and enter MM20 at checkout to receive 20% off your entire order until 5-15-08.

Tiny Prints Giveaway: And the Winner Is.....

Congratulations, Tulip! Tulip's name was blindly drawn from my hat of entrants and is the lucky recipient of a set of stationery from Tiny Prints. Please email me your contact information so I can pass it along to the kind people at Tiny Prints. Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway and most of all, thank you Tiny Prints! And if you still need to pick up those announcements and invitations, I put a Tiny Prints discount code on the side bar for you. Don't worry because I have lots of discounts and additional giveaway's coming up so stay tuned!



So what's going on around here? This weekend was Webkinz Extravaganza so we were busy hitting up Webkinz retailers to spin the Wheel of Wow and go mining for gems. I know this must seem confusing to those of you who don't have kids who are into Webkinz, but it is almost as big as Thomas the Train was in my house and that is pretty much as popular as it gets. Friday night we had a dinner party at a nice steak house here for one of Mr. Monograms staff members he promoted to Arkansas. It was a nice dinner but I have to admit I was really looking forward to getting home to my pj's. We were so lucky and had a beautiful day for baseball and t-ball on Saturday (the forecast called for 60% rain), which was great because my parents had driven up Fri evening to go to the boy's games on Saturday. After a really great lunch on the lake with my parents and the boys, my mom and I went out for an afternoon of shopping while my dad and Mr. M entertained the boys. Gotta love the wii. This week I am crazy busy. For some reason I do not know, mini #1's school is out today (he goes to private school and they do not typically have teacher work days so I don't know what this is all about, nor am I amused by it) so I guess the boys and I will be running some errands in the rain. Friday morning we are leaving (all 4 of us) for Naples for 8 days so I've got a lot of laundry and packing and organizing to do. Not to mention I need to pull the house together and stock up on groceries for the dog sitter. Oh, and did I mention we also have a baseball game tomorrow night, t-ball game Thursday night, then baseball practice immidiately following the t-ball game Thursday night?


For now I should probably get dressed though and get moving. I've got a great simple sewing project this week and more discounts headed your way but until then, have a great day!


P.S. If there's anything in particular you guys want to see over here at MM's, please let me know and I'll see what I can do to accomodate everyone. ;-)

Big Giveaway from Tiny Prints

Can you believe I've been back a whole week and I haven't yet mentioned stationery? Seeing as how graduation time is upon us (can you believe it?!), I wanted to share with you that one of my favorite online stationers whom I've talked about many times before, has just launched a new line of graduation announcements and invitations. I know, you think Tiny Prints and think of birth announcements. But as I've said here before, you can get anything from birth announcements for your child or new puppy, to holiday party invitations and wedding announcements. The possibilities are endless at Tiny Prints and I that is one reason I have been a fan of theirs for so many years. They truly have a great creative team designing their stationery that you won't find anywhere else. Another one of the great bonus' of working with Tiny Prints for your stationery needs is that you can choose from any one of their dozens of fabulous and preppy designs and with the custom personalization tools on their site, you can choose between either a suggested wording and layout provided, or completely customize your invitation/announcement by writing your own text and choosing from tons of font types, sizes, and colors.

So here's the deal. In celebration of launching their new graduation line, Tiny Prints is offering a giveaway for Monogram Momma readers. Go check out their stuff and look around if you haven't already done it. Then leave a comment here at Monogram Momma's and Monday morning I'll put all the names into a hat and draw one out. The winner will receive a free set of graduation announcements or any other personalized stationery item featured on the Tiny Prints website. Did you hear that? A FREE SET of personalized stationery of your choosing! So click the link, get cruising and have a great weekend. We are hopefully in for another full weekend of t-ball and baseball (that is if the rain doesn't get in our way).

Crane & Co Holiday Card Discount

Well, it's a very rainy Friday here in Somewhere, SE where the Monograms reside. Aside from the fact that my brown grass is laughing at the weather with a "it's much too late now!" type of attitude I'm sure, I have to admit I love these days.

Moving on, as you know (or should know if you've been coming around here for any period of time), Crane & Co is the premier authority of stationery and correspondence etiquette (see sidebar under Everyone Should Own). And since I know many of you are already starting to think about your Holiday cards this year, I wanted to hop on and tell you that right now Crane is offering a discount on all personalized holiday stationery. Order your cards or invitations before September 30th to receive a 10% discount.

Even better news for you tree-loving preps out there is that these holiday cards are tree-free! Because Crane stationery is made of 100% cotton, your holiday can truly be green, gold and red

July Touch of Whimsy Discount

I'd planned on doing a blog spotlight but instead, I have something much better. A DISCOUNT! From A Touch of Whimsy! Monogram Momma readers are being given 15% off their ENTIRE ORDER, valid through July 30th, 2007 using code mmsummer15. One coupon per order so if there's another sale with a coupon, just use the one that gives you the biggest discount ;) However, your special coupon CAN be used more than once. Let me hear some cheers from the crowd for that one!!

As if this wasn't enough exciting news to fuel your stationery habit today, I also want to let you know that A Touch of Whimsy is now an authorized rep for PSA Stampers. You know the ones... the ones we've all been ogling over forever now? So now you have the perfect excuse to pick one (or two) up and use your discount to buy them! There's also a bunch of new stuff coming out soon too, so I'll be sure to pass that long to you as soon as Gina gives me the green light.

Anna Bella Stationery, All Summer Long!

I’m laid up with an injury, which is why I haven’t been around, but I wanted to hop on today and let you know that Anna Bella Stationery is offering 20% off any invitation in their Occasion collection until August 30, 2007. Anna Bella Stationery is just up your preppy little alley. Very classic, cool, and oh so pretty! Type in coupon code SUMMER20 [case sensitive] to apply your discount at checkout!

Crane & Co. Contest!

For all you stationery and letter writing afficionado's, I'm super excited to share with you an announcement from Crane & Co.! Crane & Co has just launched The Letters You Keep, a contest celebrating memorable handwritten letters treasured over time (I bet you didn't know that April is National Card and Letter Writing Month!).

Through April, Crane hopes to receive meaningful letters of all vintages in order to select one winning letter. I don't know about you, but I've got a whole hat-box full of letters that I've kept throught my life that will make great entries into this contest! The keeper of that letter will be announced in May and be awarded $500 toward building a Crane & Co. stationery wardrobe. The winning letter will be featured on Crane’s website! You can read more about it here .

Dishpan Hands

This past weekend I was out of town. I took a trip home by myself (although preppy puppy accompanied me of course) to see my friend Ashley who lives in NJ. She was flying home for 1 night so we arranged to go out to dinner together with our parents. Ashley, if you’ll remember, is an old prep school friend of mine and one of the greatest friends I could truly ever ask for. Anyhoo, we had the most fabulous dinner Saturday night and had a great time with our parents so it was lots of fun. I’d say it was just like the old days but that wouldn’t be entirely correct because if it were like the old days, Ashley and I would have been in trouble for one thing or another and I’m happy to report we remain ungrounded (although I would love to see our dad’s try to take away our phones or tv from us now! HA!).

So I arrived home yesterday afternoon to a sink full of dirty dishes which just did not please me. Especially considering I left the house in tip-top shape. If this is what happens when I leave Mr. Monogram & the boys for 24 hours when they are a mere 5 and 3 ½ , I can’t *wait* to see what kind of shape they leave the house in for me when they’re teenagers. But here’s yesterday’s conversation just to give you the full effect.

Me: Why are all these dishes in the sink?

Mr. Monogram: I don’t know.

Me: You really don’t know????

Mr. Monogram: Well mini #2 did it.

Me: looking annoyed, thinking, That is LOW, blaming dirty dishes on a 3 yr old.

Me: Oh, okayyyyy. Well what did you guys eat for lunch yesterday? Did they eat for you?

Mr. Monogram: Yeah, pizza.

Me: What about dinner:

Mr. Monogram: Mexican

Me: Did they eat breakfast?

Mr. Monogram: yeah, we had more pizza.

Me: thinking, ughhhhhhh

Me: Well what did you boys do yesterday? Anything fun?

Mr. Monogram: Yeah, I took the boys to my office for a little while

**because we allll know that is *tons* of fun for children***

Mr. Monogram: BTW, I need to replace the projector screen in my board room (then looks over at Mini #1)

Me: I'm sorry???? And why on earth are we buying a new projector screen anyway?

Mr. Monogram: Because the current one has a really big self-portrait of mini #1 standing on some grass with clouds and a sun and then it’s signed. So your son left a signed self-portrait on the wall of my board room. REALLY BIG.

Me: Oh that’s not my son that did that. That’s yours.

Clearly when I leave town for a mere 24 hours, this is what happens. At any rate, I have to say I am excited because it’s my birthday week. Did you know that? My birthday is Sunday. I guess that technically makes next week my b’day week but whatever. Next week, as it turns out, is Spring Break for the mini monograms. And while I’m day dreaming of sitting on a beach w/ the mini’s and a book somewhere (anywhere!), I don’t think that’s going to happen. Although I sure could use a littly vacay! I guess we’ll just head to my parents in Atlanta for a few days, but we’ll see.

This morning we are headed out to JoAnn’s because I’ve got a great craft project for us to do today. I’ll fill you in on that tomorrow and I also have lots of other great spring/easter things heading your way as well this week. In the meantime, I want to share a couple new sites you might be interested in before I get started on cleaning those dishes.

The Pink Monogram

I love this little site! I particularly love the monogrammed bag selection (there are one or two that have monogram momma's name all over them!). But also make sure you check out the massive monogrammed custom shoe department while you're there too. I promise you will not be disapointed!

Magnetic Messenger

This is one of those ideas that makes you look at it and say "why didn't I think of that?" In their own words, "Photo Birth Announcements, Save The Date Magnets, and Birthday Invitations all printed on Premium Quality cardstock...simply the best quality product on the web at the best price!" Check it out!

Things I Love Today: Accessories & Peachy Paper

I know so many of you are expecting a project every day, but let me just say, that is pretty near impossible for me to do A) given how much time it takes and B) there are other things I want to talk about and share as well. Remember, Martha isn’t just about all the projects. I also don’t want to just throw out random projects, but instead, want to do ones that I think you will like and use and that I myself, want to do as well. So today I decided to do a few Things I love, to quench your shopping thirst.


In my humble opinion, anything from Basic French is a very good thing. If you don’t believe me, then cruise around their site and check out the adorable must-have Rattan bags, adorable childrens line (especially the crocheted headbands-Ooh LaLa!), and the waterproof Greengate Tote just to name a few.

While I know we all love our monogrammed stationery (especially moi), how about stationery that is actually embroidered?! Peachy Paper has a new product line called Kiwi where they have invented a special type of paper that is actually embroidered with your monogram. For those extra special hand written notes or for the person who has everything, go check these out!

So technically this is a product I picked up in a children’s store. But I am not the least bit afraid to admit I wear it myself. The Build a Better Bracelet line is so adorable and fun that it is great to pair casually with jeans or Bermuda shorts while running around, to give as a gift to a friend, or okay, as a gift to a child you know. She will be sure to feel like a rock star with this bracelet on! Chose from gobs of different band styles (I prefer the Grosgrain or Frosty band because it’s waterproof), slides and initials, and just have fun creating your casual one of a kind monogrammed bracelet! Want to know what I wear from this line? I wear the Frosty band in two shades of blue. One band has mini #1’s monogram and the other band has mini #2’s monogram with the Industrial letters. ;-)

Oh, and in sort of related news, I’ve got two discounts I’ll post later today. But right now I’ve got to tune into Court TV for my daily fix of the Anna Nicole trial. I know, I should probably start to re-examine my priorities.

Lemon Tree Paperie Discount

I know, I know. I've been incredibly lame today and not posted. So very not like monogram momma! But you must know staying on top of all this Anna Nicole Smith saga is really taking up a lot of my time!

But on to more important things, such as Lemon Tree Paperie. Now if you've been reading me for any period of time, you'll know this is one of the greatest little online stationery shops. With all of our preppy favorites such as Boatman Gellar, Whitney English, Fontaine Maury, and Stacy Claire Boyd just to name a few, if you haven't taken my advise and checked it out before, you really must do it pronto.

And just to give you even more reason to love Lemon Tree Paperie, Julia is so graciously offering 10% off of orders that are $50 or more. WooHoo!! Just enter MOMMABLOG when you checkout and you'll receive your generous discount.

Hats off to Julia and the lovely folks over at Lemon Tree Paperie for extending this offer to monogram momma readers!

Versatile Valentines

It's not quite February, but I know if you're anything at all like me (and really, you must be somewhat if you keep coming back to monogram momma's), then you too are thinking about Valentines Day Cards. And I'm not just talking about cards for the mini monograms to tote to pre-school which profess their undying love and admiration for their little pre-school friends. But also cards for grown ups too.

So in starting this post, I actually realized this is going to require more than one post because there was so much great looking, non-tacky stuff for DIY Valentine's cards this year (yes I actually said non-tacky and Valentines Day in the same sentence). And Monogram momma just does NOT do character valentines cards. I think we can both agree that there is no shortage of tasteless valentine gifts and cards to be made, especially when it comes to kids cards and crafts, but I was lucky to stumble upon some really great ones that are very easy and require little skill, time, and cost. Perfect for young and old(er) alike. In a word, let's just say they are versatile valentines.

But I can't take credit for today's ideas. They come to me directly from one of my favorite places, Paper Source , and with several items already sold out, I suggest you hop over there pronto. Unfortunately, my favorite idea for this valentine's cards this year for the mini's, the Fortune Cookie Valentine, is already sold out. Booooo. But in digging I found instructions on how you can do it sans the nifty instructions from Paper Source. Now that doesn't mean I don't reccomend picking up any one of their fabulously colorful and fun valentines themed papers or solid colored papers for that matter for this project. Go ahead! I sure plan to, but it just means that we aren't SOL just becuase we didn't order in time. Nope! We are too crafty and resourceful for that at monogram momma's!

So as I was saying, if you like this different little Valentines Card idea for yourself or your kids as well, then you can print up the template here. You'll also need a pen, scissors, crayons, markers, and strips of paper to write the valentine message on. After printing up the template, cut out the circle following the dotted line. Then trace the circle onto your decorative paper you want to use for the fortune cookies (as an aside, you can also just get a round shape in the size you want and trace that directly onto your colored paper as well and just skip the template). So once your circle is cut out of your paper, you want to lightly fold it in half, and then in half again. Then just pinch it at the center and either glue the pinched seam to retain it's fortune cookie shape, or you can also put a few stitches in there with a needle and thread (just make sure you use a very small needle!). Write (or print) your love notes out on your stripes of paper, then put them inside the paper fortune cookies with ends of slips exposed for it's recipient to see it and read it.

Okay, so this is beyond cute if you ask me. But you know me, and this just isn't enough of a "wow" factor. So I'm going to take it one step further. Why not put your Valentine fortune in this adorable take-out box, and also include a sweet little treat for your Valentine? Cute, right? I know!!!! Now, these boxes are a tad pricey, especially if you've got as many to do as I do. But I know I've seen them elsewhere, and even at the Dollar Tree in the party/gift wrap section (and don't pretend like you don't occasionally run into your Dollar store either). Check out Party City or Oriental Trading Company also for chinese take-out boxes where they won't be as decorative, but they'll be much more affordable.

As I mentioned, there are lots of other great ideas at Paper Source to get you started on your Valentines card making crafts. The Candy Shop Magnolia Card Craft would be super cute for any little girl to take to school, or for smaller tots, the Color Your Own Valentine would be just perfect. Depending on the age, you can pick up some colored glue and glitter and really let them go to town! Just look around and pick up heart shaped cards with matching or coordinating envelopes and then let your kids creativity really do the work for them. Or if you have a slightly older child or are wanting to do a great card yourself for a special friend or special someone, then pick up a few of the accordian cards. These are SO fabulous! What I love about these is that you can include photo's or special mementos and it's more like a small book of "i Love you's" instead of just a card. Something else to keep in mind.

Okay, so this should hopefully give you a few ideas to help get you started. I've got to clean the bathroom, change the sheets on my bed, start some laundry then run out the door to meet a friend for lunch and then head off to meet with the baker about Mini #1's birthday cake. Whew! Tonight we've also got our second private school to go look at for mini #1 so I've got to start getting ready for that this afternoon as well. I think I know what my fortune cookie is saying today...A fun filled afternoon of flat-ironing your hair awaits you. Oh joy.

Thanks for the Thank You

I have to start out by giving myself a little pat on the back. I have been avoiding putting the mounds of folded laundry away by blaming it on all the holiday events and happenings that I’ve committed to doing, but this morning I really buckled down and started to make a nice dent in things. I’m not finished yet, and it also prompted me to semi-clean out and re-organize my disastrous closet, but I’m hopeful I’ll have things all wrapped up by this afternoon (provided, of course, I do not fall asleep during naptime and end up snoring-and I do mean snoring- the afternoon away). It’s also prompted lots of organization ideas and thoughts to start running through my head, so at Chloe’s request, I’ll be working on some organization tips and products for various areas of the home (don’t worry, Chloe, I’ll address your English Tea Paperie organization issue).

Anyway, now that the Holidays’ are over, I have a boat-load of thank you notes to write. Of course, it would really make my life a lot easier if the 3 & 4 year old could write their own thank-you notes, but until that happens (please, oh PLEASE when WILL that happen?!), it looks like it’s all up to me. And it’s fruitless for me to even attempt to get Mr. Monogram to share these duties as he is just too swamped with work goings on to be pestered by a few thank you notes that I, the stay at home mother, just can’t find the *time* to write. That would probably be a very hard sell if you know what I mean (as it is, I’m having a hard time explaining why exactly I haven’t managed to put away all the folded laundry that’s currently occupying our master bedroom).

So my goal is to have them all finished and in the mail by Saturday morning, but that means I need to hunker down and just do it. It’s not homework for goodness sake! It’s sitting down with my stationery (how do I love thee? Let me count the ways!)! And a pen! And writing a few heartfelt lines of written word to my family and friends who were so kind and generous to us all during the holidays! So with Tiger Woods on the brain, I will sit down and “Just Do It!”

And I’m sure you’ve got your fair share of thank-you’s to send out as well. Since a lot of people seem to find their way to Monogram Momma’s by Googling things such as etiquette and proper stationery and letter addressing verbiage, let me just make things simple and lay them all out right here for you (as an aside, I really must do an entry specifically on the crazy combo’s that people Google that actually somehow lead them to me. I swear you would not believe some of this stuff!).

Not to state the obvious, but thank you’s are sent to thank someone for a gift, having you as a dinner guest or for any small favor (see Ashley, I told you!). Not sure if you should send one? Then send it anyway just to be on the safe side. Of course, I should throw in here that I think it’s perfectly acceptable in this day and age that if a friend does you a favor such as picking up a gallon of milk for you, to send them a quick little email thanking them, in lieu of breaking out your expansive stationery collection of Crane or Whitney English.

When sending your thank you note, it is always best to write on either a small foldover note or on a correspondence card. A woman can properly use either one, but typically a man uses a correspondence card. But did you also know that there is an actual formula you should use to write the proper thank-you note? Yep (shaking my head), there sure is.

4 Parts to Writing the Proper Thank-you Note
(as shown in an example note to my nephew)

1) The greeting
Dear Andrew,

2) Appreciation of item or favor
Thank you so much for the frog you left in my shoe yesterday. What a thoughtful gesture!

3) Mention how useful it will be
I am so looking forward to putting him back in the yard to enjoy his company as I pull the summer weeds.

4) Sign off with a suggestion of future meeting (or rememberence from the past)
Uncle Monogram and I are very much looking forward to your next visit with us, and can’t wait to share even more adventures with you.
Love, Aunt Monogram

So now that the thank-you note is written, it’s time to wet the envelope, seal it with a kiss, address it and send it on its way via snail mail. But often times, addressing the envelope is where we get into trouble. There are so many options these days, so let’s just go over a few when addressing casual thank you notes in case you have any questions in your future correspondence.

Addressing Envleopes to Young Boys
1) Boy 12 & under
Master Matthew Dresden

2) 2 Boys 12 & under
Masters Matthew and John Dresden

3) Boy over 18
Mr. Matthew Dresden

4) 2 Boys over 18
Messrs. Matthew and John Desden

Addressing Envelopes to Young Girls

1) Girl 12 & under
Miss Sarah Dresden

2) 2 Girls 12 & under
Misses Sarah and Catherine Dresden

3) Girl over 18
Ms. Sarah Dresden

Addressing People Living Together but Not Married

1) This is old school/wedding envelope etiquette, but I use this one myself

Ms. Elizabeth Cook
Ms. Elizabeth Cook
>>>>>Indented address line 1
>>>>>>>>>>Double indented address line 2

Addressing Widows

1) Typically, a widow continues to use her husband’s name.
Mrs. Matthew Cook

Addressing Divorced Women

1) Old school etiquette dictates that a divorced woman who retained her married name post divorce, should use “Mrs.” Followed by her maiden and married names.
Mrs. Anderson Cook

2) Today, however, if a woman prefers, she may also add her first name into the mix if she opts to keep her married name.
Mrs. Elizabeth Anderson Cook

3) If the divorced woman drops her married name and reclaims her maiden name, then she also reclaims her middle name and you use “Ms” as you would to a single woman
Elizabeth Anne Anderson

Addressing a Married Couple

1) Straightforward addressing
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Cook

2) Married couple where woman kept her maiden name
Ms. Elizabeth Cook
Mr. Matthew Cook
>>>>>Indented address line 1
>>>>>>>>>>Double indented address line 2

3) Married couple when both are Doctors
The Doctors Cook

4) Married couple when the woman is a Doctor (note: some women who are Dr’s prefer that they still be addressed as Mr. & Mrs.)

Dr. Elizabeth Cook
Mr. Matthew Cook
>>>>>Indented address line 1
>>>>>>>>>>Double indented address line 2

Now, in other important news worthy of sharing, last night I hit the local cinemaplex and saw The Holiday with my friend, Cresta. We’ve been trying to see this movie for weeks but our husband’s pesky schedules and then the holidays kept getting in our way. So anyway, once we sat through the umpteen previews of other movies we have now vowed to see, our movie began and really, it was so cute. We both really loved it, and it had so much humor and yes, even lots of tears. Neither one of us was prepared for that, so consider yourself warned, and if you don’t bring your pretty lace hankie with you when you go, then it’s you own fault. Also, can I just say what a treat it was to get fresh ice cream scooped out to us in the movie theater?! We were all over that like white on rice, let me tell you!

But sadly, there are no movies in our future today. It’s rainy and yucky here so the boys are donning their galoshes and we’re heading to the gymnastics place this morning. I can assure you I will NOT be jumping in that big pit of foam again either, as it took about 2 moms (one pushing my rear from behind, and one pulling from the top) to get me out of that damn disease pit last time. So monogram momma will be strictly sticking to the trampolines and bouncy running floor thingy today. Whew! Looks like I've got my exercise cut out for me today, and then I'm back to work on my thank-you notes later. Happy handwriting!

Update: Inviting Smiles Disaster

Not to bring down the mood over here at monogram momma's, but I really needed to hop on and leave an update for all the people finding their way to me by Googling "Inviting Smiles + customer service" or something of the like. I think we all know by now that Inviting Smiles and customer service is an oxymoron. As Clark Howard says, it's more like "customer no-service".

At this point in time, this is what I am recommending...Call your credit card company and have the charges reversed due to non-delivery of goods ASAP. I have now heard from roughly 30 people, if you can believe that. I am so amazed at this whole sham they've created this Christmas, and can't BELIEVE they would do this to honest, paying customers during the holidays. NOBODY takes advantage of my readers and gets away with it, that's for sure! Truly, when they realized they were in over their heads, they should have stopped taking orders. But nope, they kept on taking them, and even letting people pay for expedited shipping even though they knew the cards wouldn't get out on time.

I've sent the owner 10 emails so far, as well as the consumerist. I know how disapointing and maddening this at the same time and i am SO SORRY for all the trouble this company has caused you. I am furious due to the fact that I recommended them and they have taken advantage of so many of my own readers. That is just NOT ok with me.

I'm sure by now many of you have come up with a back-up plan, although I know it's not what you've had in mind this year. Again, I'm so sorry for the trouble and please know I'm really trying to do everything I possibly can to get this company to take responsibility for this mess they created. In the mean time, I also urge you to file a claim (as others are doing) with the Better Business Bureau.

If you've sent me a personal email with your dilema the last 24 hours, know that it has been read by me and put into my "Inviting Smiles" folder. But due to the sheer volume of emails I'm receiving on this issue, I simply don't have time over the next day or two to email you all individually. I PROMISE, I will. But I hope in the meantime, this little bit of information will help you put an end to this mess once and for all, until we can hopefully get a response from these people after the holidays.

Good Luck!

Show Me Yours, I'll Show You Mine: Holiday Cards

First of all, let me start by apologizing for the delay, and thanking you guys for your patience. As you know I HATE to be late and really pride myself on being prompt and on time, and today I have been anything but. It seems I had a little "holiday emergency" pop up that could only be solved by this one lady on this one afternoon and yada yada yada, 3 hours later, I was still needing this lady's hand out of the jam I was in and it was dark by the time my car rounded the corner into our neighborhood (as an aside, a SERIOUS hug to my neighbor who was waiting patiently at the house with the mini monograms, probably wondering if I had deserted her to raise them alone).

But you know what? Enough about that! Let's see all these fabulous cards you've all sent in already!

Show Me Yours......!

Kicking things off this go round is none other than the Preppy Princess herself (card 1 of 3). Seriously, can you find a better suited card for royal heiness? I didn't think so.

Alright, so this one is pretty dog-gone cute too. Shoppers! In a window! Window shopping! ..as in Shopping with the Preppy Princess!

So there's no shopping theme, but you gotta love the girl for never being afraid to show off her inner preppy and love of all things pink and green (card 3 of 3).

I must say, every one's favorite Preppy Rider has done a fine job herself of picking out the perfect holiday card as well! Expecting her first baby in February (within days of mini #1's due date I might add), Marissa has chosen the perfect classic preppy pregnant paper this year if I do say so myself. P.S. Worthy of note here is that she did try awfully hard to capture her two pups for a photo card, but let's just say they weren't exactly being cooperative.

J has decided to give everyone a run for their money with her hand made cards this year (1 of 3). Most impressive, J!

This is my personal fave of hers, all tied up with a bow!

Woo-Hoo! Check out all that detail (card 3 of 3)

What in the WORLD are the chances we would have a second Marisa enter the contest at monogram momma's?! I guess that means I need to go play the lottery tonight! At any rate, Marisa put this hand-made card together and in lieu of a photo, opted instead to share a recipe for "Charleston Shrimp & Grits." This is most fitting since her hubby is the executive chef at a 5 star Southern resort!

A fellow Auburn Tiger hand made this little number, complete with preppy trees and all! Love that round enclosure, Melissa!

Looks like someone has been shopping on Paper Source avec moi! Monogram momma reader, Pam, has done a bang-up job with this ultra chic blue and brown color scheme accompanied by the black and white photo in the pocket.

For our celebrity entry today, we have none other than THE Lauren Goessling's holiday card! Of course, you know we would expect something terrific and perfectly preppy from Lauren and she does not disappoint! In the pocket is a lovely B&W photo of the Goessling gang.

You know I had to show the enclosure on Lauren's card too. It wouldn't be complete without the signature "G" we've all come to know and love!

Watch out everybody because once again, Scarlett is back in the contest bearing that Burberry plaid. You may remember her pugs donning Burberry in the first Show Me Yours competition, which secured the win for her. Looks like she's is SERIOUS about winning again, folks! P.S. She completely did this herself in photo shop too!!

Another repeat contestant and regular monogram momma reader, Alyson has sent in this photo of her little Christmas cuties. Clearly she has opted to go the "Black Tie Optional" route this year and dressed her little ones up to the nines for the monogram momma contest! Much appreciated! P.S. Alyson ordered the top part of her card from an ebay seller and then assembled it all onto a black card stock.

Preppy Mom sent in two cards of her sweet girls. Here they are all decked out in Hanna Anderson pj's and all their baking garb and enclosed is a sugar cookie recipe from Martha. Sweet, PM!

So this is the card that Preppy Mom opted to send. Adorable girls hugging in their Hanna Anderson striped holiday pj's!

Now you know I love someone who can take a theme and run with it and Gena really exudes that preppy pink and green monogram momma spirit with this card!


Sunny is no stranger to monogram momma contest's either. She has shown us "hers" more than once and we are happy to see her back again, in all her holiday finery, candy cane ears and all.


Marta sent in this card of her little cutie, Summer. This is so classic and pretty and what's that I see? Smocking on the gown? Extra points for Marta for smocking!

This is Madigan looking very merry and bright in her Kelly green cable-knit sweater and matching bow. She is a preppy in training if I ever saw one!

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to meeeeeeeeeeee... some Whitney English Stationeryyyyyyyyy. Second place winners in the Preppy Pumpkin contest, the Phillips family have also really stepped up their game by sending in their holiday card with two little cuties in red Pottery Barn Kids pj's hanging out under the Christmas tree.

Now, I'll Show You Mine!!

Sporting pink popped collars, the light blue Phillip Pant, white RL cable knit sweaters, and A. Tierney grosgrain belts the mini's are a perfect preppy picture if I do say so myself! I always like to take our Holiday card picture at the beach in October and the green Adirondack with the swaying sea grass sends warm wishes to our friends and family. Noticeably missing is preppy puppy who opted against participating in the portrait this year.

Did you really expect anything other than a pink and green themed greeting from the Monogram family this year? P.S. Not pictured is the large square sticker that was placed on the back of each envelope bearing the large "M" in green as shown above, with "The Monograms" over it in pink.

So now that you've seen mine and I've seen yours it's time to vote! So whether you sent in a card or not, start commenting and voting! You guys never fail to disappoint and I really do have the most creative and inspiring readers! Thanks to ALL who participated and proudly displayed their inner prep and/or inner Martha with everyone!

Unlike past contests, I'm leaving the voting open all week since I know we're all busy and not everyone can hop on every day. As always, you can always count on a great prize for the winner from monogram momma!

Even The Scrooges of Stationery Can't Touch the Things I Love Today

Once again I’m popping on quickly this morning as I find myself, AGAIN, without much time. Mr. Monogram has left town this morning for the rest of the week and with no pre-school today Mini #1 is having a play date. Good thing I thought ahead because it’s rainy and gross outside so our plans are to go pick up his buddy Sam and head out to our local jumpity jump inflatable places so I can efficiently wear them out for an hour. After that I’ll probably bring them all home, throw some food in the trough for them, and let them play for a while until it’s time for Sam to go home and naptime in our house. Yes, I’ve got this all planned out very carefully and down to the minute, actually!

And since I know many of you are just dying to know, would you believe I still haven’t heard back from anyone at Inviting Smiles? Really people, just avoid doing business with them at all cost. Someone suggested I contact the consumerist and admittedly, this SAHM has no idea what that is, I’m going to be looking into that today. I did send them one final email, which I will share below.

From: Monogram Momma
To: kim@invitingsmiles.com ; invitingsmiles@aol.com ; customercomments@invitingsmiles.com ; cheryl@invitingsmiles.com
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2006 7:48 AM
Subject: Re: Poor Experiences/Internet Review

To Whom It May Concern at Inviting Smiles,

I'm going to assume that someone somewhere in your company is reading my emails and posts on my blog (yes, I can track who reads my blog, where they are and when they're reading), because it is just a little too ironic for me that exactly 16 minutes after my post about your poor customer service yesterday, EM received a UPS notification from you saying her order had been shipped. Either that or it's a Christmas miracle.

However, since you have no intention of contacting me yourself and trying to redeem your company's name and reputation, or at the very least showing you posses some sort of conscious and good graces, I feel the need to pass along additional names and emails of people who have contacted me that I highly suggest you take care of this morning.

Again, the lines of communication are wide open for you to contact me. Running and hiding is never a good tactic and really only makes you look less credible. I promise I won't bite.

Customers you need to take care of (this list is growing so I will continue to fwd names to you)

SB: sb@xyz.com

CP: cp@xyz.net

KT: kt@xyz.com

Waiting for info from my anonymous reader

+ EM who you already contacted yesterday afternoon

Sincerely,
CMM

P.S.You know what's going to happen in a few days when people Google "Inviting Smiles?" It's going to provide them a link to my blog where potential customers can read the truth about your customer service and how little you value your customers. As I said yesterday, word of mouth is a very powerful force, so I highly recommend you start returning phone calls and emails. It's called business etiquette. You might want to read up on it.

Okay, so that’s the last I’m going to mention the company I have now dubbed the Scrooges of Stationery. Although I suppose if you prefer the Grinch's of Greetings, you could call them that as well. But regardless, I’m not talking about it again unless they contact me or you guys are just itching to know. I will still, however, continue my correspondence with those of you who contacted me for help and continue to do what I can. Apparently though, they have no intention of stepping up to the plate. Bah humbug to them.

However, in much happier news today, I’m thrilled to share some new Things I Love Today and really recommend these as gifts. Speaking of, remember last week when I shared “A Brown Dog” t-shirt company with you? Well I spoke to the owner and she is just as nice as can be and what I really wanted to share with you as a follow-up is that a portion of each sale goes to her local animal shelter and the Labrador Retriever Rescue. And you know since I am all about the little details, these tees come all wrapped up with ribbon and a hand-written note. Now THAT is taking care of a customer and sharing good will to all!

Now, let’s get on with some great finds…

The Baby Bunch
Tell me what new or expectant mom wouldn’t love to get a bouquet of roses made out of onesies? The Baby Bunch is simply too fabulous and creative for words! Now seriously, Martha really needs to jump all over this little company because this is seriously a good thing. It’s too bad they don’t offer personalization or monogramming but really I think we could pull this one off ourselves too and SERIUOSLY, can you THINK of a baby gift that would make a better presentation? Okay, well aside from my basket of goodies.

Monogrammed Ice Cream Holder
Now you can have your ice cream AND eat it too. l I don’t know that this is exactly approved by Weight Watchers or not, but who the heck cares?! You show me a monogrammed ice cream holder that holds entire pint of ice cream and I’ll lead the way to Ben & Jerry’s!

Kappers
‘Tis the Season for buying and giving lots of bottles of wine to our ever gracious hostesses at all those fancy parties, and what better accessory to pair with that bottle of Bordeaux other than a Santa’s behind sticking out of a chimney? Well nothing, that’s what!

Monogrammed Golf Umbrella
Raindrops are falling on my head! Well, not MY head, because I am the lucky owner of this little beauty from A. Tierney. And I don’t have to tell you guys what I think of A. Tierney since I’ve mentioned them loads before and I’ve been a customer for 4 years. Really though, this umbrella is so well made with a nice wooden handle and wooden top, and with a preppy grosgrain ribbon button enclosure to top it all off you’ll never be caught all wet and soggy again!

Monogrammed Playing Cards & Bridge Set
Have a card or bridge player on your list? Then I’ve got the perfect thing for you! Head on over to my church of Horchow and pick these lovelies up for that special person on your list so they will be on top of their game at the next bridge tournament.

Suede Playing Card Set
Not a bridge Player? No worries, I’ve got you covered! I adore this little suede set for traveling especially! You know, Mr. Monogram and I play lots of cards at the beach so how convenient and cute would this be tucked inside my little monogrammed bag? It sure beats the old cardboard box set I usually tote along, that’s for sure.

Miniature Monogrammed Branding Iron
Being the carnivores that we are over here in the Monogram household, this is something we definitely need. Really, who DOESN’T need a branding iron with their initials? That is the more logical question here.

[No Picture available]

Design-Her Gals
I think by now we are all aware of this super creative company. I even saw the owner on Martha giving her cards made in her own likeness so you know if my girl Martha says it’s a good thing, then a good thing it is. Aside from creating your own girl on stationery and note cards, I love the idea of creating a gal and putting her on recipe cards for your friends or family (in their likeness of course). Pair it with a cute little apron, of course, MONOGRAMMED, and you’ve got yourself one great little gift. Personally, I like to put my gal in leg warmers paired with big hoop earrings and an off-the-shoulder number, but hop on over there and have some fun. PS. Current Promo code at check out is HOLIDAZE for 15% off!

Inviting Smiles: NOT so Inviting

The time is now 5 o’clock E.S.T. and that means, TIME’S UP. Now I realize most of you don’t have a clue as to what I’m talking about, but believe you me, there has been some behind the scenes drama and stress over here at monogram momma’s that each and every one of my valued readers deserves to know about (in fact I MAY just have to call Entertainment Tonight to broadcast it I think it’s so important). And since you all know I prefer to exist in a stress free zone (ha! Okay, so as least-stress-free zone as possible), I am NOT happy.

Go back with me to this past Saturday if you will. Saturday morning I checked my email to find an email from a reader we will call EM, telling me that to date, she not only hasn’t received her Holiday card order from Inviting Smiles, but hasn’t even received correspondence from them. Now, you will remember, I recommended this company in my initial Holiday Card post in November, and said I loved their cute monogrammed designs and styles. They were referred to me by a friend and I never personally used them myself. Now, forward to Sunday morning, when I awoke to an anonymous comment on this blog from a second reader, saying that the customer service at Inviting Smiles is terrible and that they do not recommend them. Sunday night, another email from a THIRD reader with a very similar story to the first email I received from EM. And THEN, this morning, a FOURTH email from a reader with the same issue. Something sounding a little fishy to anyone but me????? I swear it’s like the skies opened up and dumped a bucket of hail or something!

Of course I am mortified that I would recommend a company that apparently can’t get their act together and not only NOT fulfill their orders in a timely manner, but even communicate with their customers. Each reader told me they called numerous times and the voice mailbox at Inviting Smiles was constantly full, and none of their emails were ever returned either. It’s called RUNNING A BUSINESS and CUSTOMER SERVICE, Inviting Smiles. If you can’t handle it and treat your PAYING CUSTOMERS with the RESPECT they DESERVE then it’s time to CLOSE UP SHOP.

I have personally responded to each and every one of my readers who emailed me, as well as sent a lengthy email to five different email addresses at Inviting Smiles. My final email informed them that they had until 5Pm E.S.T. TODAY for someone of authority to get back in touch with me and let me know how they planned to rectify this mess that they have created and take care of all these people who they have let down and stressed out during this Holiday season, or unfortunately, I would be forced to write an honest update for my readers, detailing their lack of customer service and order fulfillment issues. Well folks, as I already said, TIME’S UP.

So I’m just going to lay it all out on the table here and be completely honest to all my readers, as you know how I feel about being honest. So included below, are all the emails that were sent to me, and all my emails that I in turn, have sent to Inviting Smiles, encouraging them to make good on their orders.

Reader Email #1
From: EM
To: monogrammomma@charter.net
Sent: Friday, December 08, 2006 3:57 PM
Subject: Christmas Cards

… I read your entry today and I also have not received my Christmas cards. Did you by chance order yours from inviting smiles? I ordered them one week before Thanksgiving and still do not have them! I have sent them three emails and called numerous times only to get a message"mailbox full". I was finally able to leave a message today, so hopefully I will finally get somewhere. I ordered mine before reading your recommendation, so I am not trying to make you feel badly for recommending them at all! Just wondering if someone else is having the same problem as me. Once again, I really enjoy your blog and don't know how you have the time to do so much! Merry Christmas! EM

Reader Blog Comment #2
From: Anonymous
To: monogrammomma@charter.net
Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2006 9:00 AM
Subject: [Monogram Momma] New comment on Holiday Cards (Charge-It!).

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Holiday Cards (Charge-It!)": Hello gals - just wanted to let you know that although they are adorable, Inviting Smiles has HORRIBLE HORRIBLE customer service. And don't trust their delivery times. It's unfortunate but true. Good luck!

Reader Email #3
From: KT
To: monogrammomma@charter.net
Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2006 1:41 PM
Subject: quick question... :o)

…I did want to ask about holiday cards I ordered from Inviting Smiles, I ordered these back on November 10th and was also charged that month as well on my credit card. I have never received any correspondence from them, no proof, etc... I also had my mom order from them due to how cute their cards, however, we both had to order from different companies this past week to ensure we would have cards before Christmas. Do you know any "direct" line of communication with them that I could attempt to have them credit my card? I know you receive lots of emails and thanks for taking the time to read mine... :o) Thanks again and Merry Christmas - KT

Reader Email #4
From: CP
To: monogrammomma@charter.net
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 11:17 AM
Subject: Delay with Inviting Smiles

… I thought I'd ask if you have heard of anyone having problems getting their holiday cards from Inviting Smiles this year. I found them through your blog and LOVED the cards. I placed the order on 11/24 and approved the proof, but haven't heard boo regarding whether/when they have shipped. I've sent two urgent e-mails in the last week to which I have received no response, their voice mail for the 888 number is continuously full, and when I called this morning, the phone company actually had to hang up on me with "The party you have dialed is not answering their phone."

Yikes! Any info you may have would be much appreciated. I'm hoping they miraculously appear on my doorstep today.

Thanks,
CP


MM Email to Inviting Smiles #1
----- Original Message -----
From: Monogram Momma
To: Cheryl@invitingsmiles.com; customercomments@invitingsmiles.com; invitingsmiles@aol.com;
Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2006 4:29 PM
Subject: Poor Experiences/Internet Review

Hi There,

I am the proprietor of a blog called Monogram Momma where I talk about lots of monogrammed products and services, decorating and project ideas, and very often, stationery. Currently I have over 500 readers (and growing) a day who log on to read my reviews, ideas and sites I recommend.

About a month ago I did a post on Holiday cards where I recommended Inviting Smiles. I loved your original and monogrammable styles and colors and layouts. However, I am quite disappointed that yesterday I received an email from a reader who said she ordered her Christmas cards from you all weeks ago and not only have they not arrived, but you have not given her the courtesy of a return phone call (she has left MANY messages and BTW your voice mailbox apparently needs to be emptied because it is registering as FULL) or return email. I must say, I am extremely disappointed by this.

I take great pride in only recommending companies and vendors to my readers who I feel or have experienced myself, offer excellent quality products, but who also offer great customer service. I feel it is a reflection back on me, and quite frankly I do not want to increase revenue or recommend a company that offers second-rate customer service when my readers respect my opinion. To run a successful business, those two things need to go hand in hand, and I do not want to recommend a company that takes such poor care of the people who are providing their bread and butter, when there are plenty of other similar companies who will take care of their customers and give them the courtesy they deserve.

In addition to the email I received from a disappointed reader yesterday, this morning I also awoke to an anonymous comment on my blog from a second person not recommending your company due to poor customer service. To say I am surprised at this is a gross understatement. As a result, I am doing you the courtesy of letting you know that I will be posting a follow-up post on my blog, alerting my readers to your poor customer service. I do understand this is a busy time of year, but if a customer orders something time sensitive such as a Christmas card and you say it's going to be delivered on time and then you not only fail to deliver it but don't even return phone calls or emails from these customers who have paid quite a bit of money for your cards, then I really feel like my readers have a right to know they type of quality service they are receiving from your company if they chose to order from you.

I sincerely hope you will make every effort to rectify the poor customer service you are apparently getting a reputation for having. I am always thrilled to sing the praises of small companies that offer phenomenal customer service, but I also feel like I need to share poor experiences as well in order to be fair and honest with my readers (something they not only expect from me, but that I also expect from myself). As I said, you are more than welcome to get in touch with me and let me know what you are doing to solve your customer service and order problems so I can pass your response onto my readers. I also suggest you contact my reader (who sent the initial email), EM at em@xyz.com.

Many Thanks,
CMM

Inviting Smiles Email Response to MM #1
From: cheryl@invitingsmiles.com
To: Monogram Momma
Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2006 10:41 PM
Subject: Re: Poor Experiences/Internet Review

Dear Monogram Momma,
I am sending this on to the head of the company. I have only worked for the company for a short time, having been hired to try and catch them up from the unexpectedness of their holiday card orders.

I do know that within thirty-minutes of emptying out the answering service it is full again. We've got people putting in 20 hours a day to try and get these orders out. Unfortunately since many of the customers only see my email address when I send them their completed proof, they think that I am the company. I just do the proofs.

I will tell you that some of the delays stem from people who place their order, and then wait a week or two to send in the photos. The order cannot go into proof design until the photos have been received. So keep that in mind as well. Don't hold the company responsible for customer contributions to the delays.

MM Email to Inviting Smiles #2
From: Monogram Momma
To: cheryl@invitingsmiles.com
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 8:09 AM
Subject: Re: Poor Experiences/Internet Review

Cheryl,

I appreciate the return email and I can understand your frustration. Sort of the "Don't Shoot the Messenger" situation. As I mentioned, I completely understand that Inviting Smiles is busy this time of year, but it sounds like they bit off more than they could chew and can't handle all the business. Unfortunately, it's the customers who pay for this and ultimately, the companies reputation.

Since sending my email to Inviting Smiles yesterday (Sunday), I have also heard from yet another reader (this makes three people total in a 24 hours time span) who says they paid and sent in pictures Nov 10th, and while their card was charged, they have yet to see anything from the company.

Thank you very much for forwarding my email to the head of the company. I am anxiously awaiting a response and look forward to a resolution in the order and customer service issues that are currently plaguing Inviting Smiles.

Sincerely,
CMM

MM Email to Inviting Smiles #3
From: Monogram Momma
To: cheryl@invitingsmiles.com
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 3:48 PM
Subject: Fw: Poor Experiences/Internet Review

Cheryl,

Just to let you know, I have heard from two more irate readers and unfortunately, if I don't hear back from someone at Inviting Smiles with some sort of authority by 5pm EST today, I am afraid I will be forced to write a completely honest and somewhat damaging post about Inviting Smiles. I will also be encouraging all my friends in the blogging community who also have large followings to do the same.

I am sincerely sorry this has fallen on you, but as I said, the poor customer service is a reflection on me since I recommended this company and I take great pride in my recommendations and my good word. If you could please pass this additional information along to the right people within the company, I would be very grateful. I hope you understand that I feel like I have an obligation to set things right with all these people who have been misled and left in the dark by Inviting Smiles.

Many thanks for your assistance,

CMM

Well, Inviting Smiles, it looks like it’s your turn. Being the fair and just person that I am, the floor is all yours. I am handing you the virtual mic. You are more than welcome to email me at monogrammomma@charter.net and let me know how you plan to take care of all these people, which I will gladly post, or you can continue to ignore your customers and slowly watch your business fall off the face of the earth. You know, word of mouth is a very strong force. I realize that you never asked me to mention your company in my blog, but I did so off of a recommendation by a friend who’s opinion I trust and value, and because I am always happy to help out and recommend fun and creative sites and companies such as yours. The only problem is that your company really falls short. When you get down to it, Inviting Smiles really ISN’T so inviting after all, and I can assure you that no one is smiling right now about this holiday debacle you’ve created.

As for my readers, if anyone else out there has had any similar experiences with Inviting Smiles, please comment here and/or send me an email. In the event that I actually hear back from someone at Inviting Smiles, I would like to be able to pass along your names and email addresses for them to contact you directly. And hey, even if you’ve had a great experience with them and want to share that as well, then by all means, please let us know that too. As I said, I think this company bit off more than it could chew, but that really is no excuse for such poor customer service. Truly, I would love to see this company somehow redeem themselves, as they really do have some very creative and beautiful announcements, invitations, and cards. I certainly wouldn't have recommended them if I didn't like what they had to offer. But the proof will be in the pudding whether or not they're going to be able to pull that off.

P.S. 12/21/06 update: For those of you finding your way to my blog via Googling "Inviting Smiles," please click here to a new update.