Love!

TGIF

I'm so glad it's Friday. You would *think* that being a SAHM means every day is like Friday, but no, I assure you it is not. I am dashing out the door with the mini monograms to take them to the gymnastics place to jump on trampolines and run around with some friends and expel some of this energy they've got. After that we'll head to a lunch date, then a swim date with some school friends who've been out of town. YAY sun!

Tonight is dinner with our TN bff's, the Hawks. It's always a good time and they are leaving next week for a 10 day trip to Washington DC, NYC, & Boston. Anyway, as I plan to jump on a trampoline or two myself this morning, I actually put on a cute pair of army green shorts (if you knew me INR I typically wear skirts or dresses every day), a basic white tee, simple off-white sailors knotted flip flops and a pink headband. However, I do wish I had this adorable nautical headband to throw on today!

Source: Ribbons & Lace on Etsy

2010 momAgenda's!

Does 2010 scare you like it scares me? It's such a huge number! lololol

For any of you busy mom's out there who do not use momAgenda, all I can say is you are really missing out. MomAgenda is a fantastic product that's been seen on Oprah and the Today Show and truly is a must-have for busy mom's trying to keep track of family schedules, appointments, play dates, etc while still looking stylish. I was a big fan of momAgenda before I started repping them through PC so I speak from experience here.

The momAgenda books and calendars run from August '09 through December '10 and with August being but a week or so away, it's time to order. Pre-order your momAgenda by July 31st and I will give you $5 off the regular price. Use code MOMAGENDA10 at checkout.

Here's a low-down on the products, just in case you've got any questions.

momAgenda Desktop
As featured on the Today show and in Real Simple magazine! At last, a
comprehensive and stylish planner created by a mom exclusively for
moms. The distinguishing feature of this upscale planner is its custom
week-at-a-glance planning pages, featuring separate spaces for your
activities and those of your kids. Finally a useful tool to help
multi-tasking moms do it with ease!

Beautifully bound covers have a shantung finish that is both
fashionable and stain-resistant. Calendar is dated August 2009
through December 2010 for convenient school and year-long planning.

Size: 7" x 9" avail. in: Fuchsia, Azure, Lime, Chocolate

MomAgenda Mini

Introducing the day-on-a-page version of the popular momAgenda
planner! Featuring the NEW momEssentials pamphlet that can be re-used
from year to year, attached via ribbon on the back of the book.
Size: 5" x 7" avail. in: Fuchsia, Azure, Lime, Chocolate

All in One Portfolio
The All in One Portfolio features a monthly calendar that starts with
the new school year in August. Calendar runs 17 months, through Dec ‘10.
Calendars feature separate planning space for mom and up to four kids, plus
space notes and inspirational quotes. You’ll also receive a separate folio
section to store class lists, school schedules, sports schedules, menus and
more. 48 pages and 24 interchangeable tabs, there’s a place for everything!
You’ll also have a large notepad and pen for jotting down a note.
Size: 10" x 12" avail. in: Cherry, Blue

momAgenda Weekly Family Planner Pad
Same great format, now for the whole family! The momAgenda family
schedule pad features the unique momAgenda weekly format, with
separate spaces for each person in the family… whether you keep it on
the kitchen counter or on the fridge, the whole family will be more
organized! 9" x 12"

A. Tierney Summer Special

As far as A. Tierney goes, I'm about as big of a fan as there could possibly be, as I've repeated this many times over in the past 3 years of blogging. You don't want to miss this HUGE deal!


I own this tote and LOVE it. It's very sturdy and ultra durable. You will not be disappointed in the quality, and that's a Monogram Momma promise! So what are you waiting for?

P.S. While you're at it, go enter to win a fabulous A. Tierney bangle at Coterie.

Tie One On & Win Big!

Vineyard Vines want's to see how you tie one on! You're VV tie, that is, and you could win $2000!

General Requirements for Entries:

Videos must be a minimum of 30 seconds in length and must not exceed 60 seconds. Preferred format is HD 720p 16x9.

The tie in the Video that you use to demonstrate MUST be vineyard vines.

Videos must not contain any copyrighted material (including copyrighted background music).

Videos should use the vineyard vines logo at least two (2) times in the duration of the video. One of those times should be the end title/frames of the video. You can choose from any of the logos provided on the CONTEST FILES link on this page.

Videos cannot contain any profanity, offensive language, nudity or otherwise objectionable material, including intoxication or public drunkenness, or any violation of law, the determination of which is solely at the discretion of vineyard vines.

Videos must be in the English language or subtitled.

Limit two (2) submissions per member, per phase.

By entering into this Contest you confirm receipt and acceptance of all terms and conditions of the Official Rules of this Contest including, but not limited to, Sections 5, LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND RELEASE and Section 6, INDEMNIFICATION, and confirm that vineyard vines is deemed the "Sponsor" as provided in the Official Rules for this Contest.

What Can You win?

In the first phase five judges will pick their top five videos. The contest will begin June 30, 2009 and videos must be submitted by July 31, 2009. Winners will be announced August 7, 2009. Prizes 1-5: $1,000, $200, $150, $150 VV Gift Card, $150 VV Gift Card

In the second phase we are asking EVERYONE to go to Tongal and try to predict which videos the judges will select. The prediction contest will run from July 31, 2009 to August 7, 2009. Prizes 1-5: $500, $150, $150 VV Gift Card, $125 VV Gift Card, $125 VV Gift Card

Ribbon Beaded Necklace

The moment I saw this proect I knew I had to share it with my readers. This is a fun and cute idea, although honestly, I would do the beads all the way to the end of the ribbon (all the way around the entire neck), then put in a jewelry clasp in lieu of tying the end. You can get all your supplies from my favorite online trim store, M&J Trimming.

You Will Need

-1 yard of 50mm Midori Gala Dupioni Silk Ribbon (the color used here was Pin Moon)
-1 strand of 14mm Baroque Pearls ( #41520)
-Scissors
-Straight pins
-Thread and needle or a sewing machine

Instructions
1. First fold the ribbon in half and pin it along the edge.

2. Sew the two edges together which will create a tube.

3. Turn it inside out. You need to be patient in this step, since turning the tube inside out may take you a few minutes. You can use a chopstick to push the ribbon thru. You can also use a safety pin or a paper clip.

4. Now you can start putting the pearls inside the tube, make knots on the sides of it to make it stay in place.

source & photo: M&J Trimming

Just in Time for Fathers Day

Things have been uber crazy here at chez Monogram (more to come on that later). And since today is the mini's first day at summer camp and my first day to have the house to myself to, oh I don't know, perhaps get some laundry done and clean a few toilets around here, I am only allotting myself to sit at the computer for 5 more minutes.

Therefore, my friends, just in time for Fathers day and those family beach trips, all my new designs are ready and available at my SWAG shop on Etsy. Fifty eight (yes, that's right FIFTY EIGHT) designs in all now, and I am in love with the new stuff. Honestly. Mr. Monogram will be getting a new SWAG shirt himself for Fathers Day and the mini's will be sporting the "nautical flag line" design themselves (which I think will look super cute with their embroidered nautical motif shorts). As always, remember that if you have any questions or want to see a larger image, just email me! I'm happy to oblige requests.

$500 Sweepstakes

I just received an email from my dear friend Alyssa, from A. Tierney ,telling me all about her Facebook sweepstakes & generous 20% discount so I wanted to make sure I passed it along to you guys. I've sung the praises of A. Tierney since Monogram Momma first opened her blogging doors in 2006 (although I've been buying her accessories since she began the company), and I will continue to do so. I should warn you though, that I plan on winning this sweepstakes though so best of luck to the rest of you!

Three Chickadees Mothers Day Sale

Yep! You've got that right! Another sale from three of our favorite people, the Three Chickadees. Today (May 1) through May 11th, receive 20% off your entire order by using the discount code MOM at checkout.

Run on over there and stock up on chic preppy headbands, belts, skirts, and more for your mom!

It's Got to be Knit-Free for Me

Hi. I’m Monogram Momma and I’m a terrible knitter. Not that I haven’t tried (and tried, and tried, and tried), but it just isn’t my forte. As my mother told me (she is a fabulous knitter), it just might be better if I stuck to some of my other crafty things that I’m really good at. I mean, how many scarves does one need that look like the country of Italy or the state of Florida? Seriously.

But I promised you some crafty posts and I know lots of you like to knit or are interested in trying. Sorry, still not gonna find that here at monogram momma’s! What you will find, however, is a this really great no-knit scarf though that I think we could all pull together on one of these cold winter days.

You Will Need

-Lots of bulky weight yarn

-scissors

-a few straight pins

-a piece of foam board or thick cardboard

Instructions

1) Start off by cutting 12 pieces of the yarn 1-1/2 times the length of your desired final product (I like a long scarf and Martha recommends cutting the pieces 140" to make an 86" scarf).

2) Separate your yarn into 4 bunches of 3 strands each.

3) Take two bunches and tie them together with a square knot, leaving 6 inches of fringe at the end; repeat this step with remaining bunches.

4) Pin the knots to a piece of foam board as shown here.

5) Now you want to knot the inner 2 bunches of yarn together, spacing knot about 1 inch from existing knots, then knot left and right bunches together

6) Alternate knotting the inner bunches and the left and right ones, spacing knots evenly apart, until about 6 inches of yarn remain on the end. Finish so that final knots mirror opposite end, and trim to even the ends.

credit: Martha

Half Priced Chicks

No, I haven't gone into poultry farming. Rather, I wanted to share with you guys that The Three Chickadees are having their first ever 50% off clearance sale. FIFTY PERCENT!!! Is that unheard of for an Internet sale? Why yes, I think it is! And what's really great is that everything on clearance are all really fabulous things that you will all want. Head on over and start stocking up on your seersucker and madras (just remember ladies, it's too soon to start wearing them)!

Oh! And get ready because tomorrow I have a big announcement to make (NOT NOT NOT pregnant so go ahead and get that one out of your pretty little heads!) and an INCREDIBLE find you will not want to miss. ;-)

Things I Love Today: Kristin Pearce

I've been such a terrible blogger lately; I hope you can all forgive me! I've been knee-deep in garland and holiday decor all the while fighting off a post Thanksgiving cold. To top it off, so have the mini's. But I'm back with lots to share in the coming weeks so make sure you stick your head in every couple of days to see what we're crafting over here at Monogram Momma's and what deals and discounts I'll be passing along as well.

In the meantime, I HAVE to share the most fabulous jewelry designer with you!! Kristin Pearce has an amazing eye and her designs will definitely cater to your discriminating preppy taste. I am lucky enough to have her signature triple strand pearl and starfish necklace which I absolutely adore. The quality and styling is perfect and I am getting LOTS of wear and compliments out of my gorgeous necklace. I love wearing it! Think how cute this will be with some Lilly in the spring and summer! It's also getting lots of winter wear from me right now as well, and looks amazing with my black 50's style shirt dress (I call it my June Cleaver dress).

Kristin has a great assortment of hand crafted designs on her website which would make fabulous gifts for that person who has everything. And you know who I'm talking about because we all have those people on our lists! Her site doesn't offer a shopping cart, but you can email Kristin place your order that way. She is also happy to do custom lengths and sizes and special orders (Bridesmaids gifts, anyone?). Oh! Did I mention the packaging? ADORABLE pink, white, and brown packaging that make a truly preppy presentation you would be happy to direct-ship to anyone on your list. And lucky for all you MM readers, Kristin is generously offering FREE SHIPPING for the holidays to anyone who mentions my blog in their email order. Hurry and don't wait; it's already December 4th!!

P.S. How much do you love that turquoise necklace above?????!!

A. Tierney in Action (and a discount as a bonus!)

As I mentioned, at the invitation of the girls at A. Tierney, we made a stop at their offices during our New York trip last month. I was so glad we did that and finally got to meet the girls I’ve come to know via email over the last year. Alyssa, Nancy, and Kerry were so hospitable and welcoming; it was a true treat to stop by and get to spend time with them and they were lots of fun to hang out with.

I’ve been a customer of A. Tierney’s since shortly after Alyssa launched the business, when I found their preppy grosgrain children’s belts at The Kangaroo Pouch in Atlanta more than 5 years ago. Well, they had me at hello, that’s for sure, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Their customer service and quality are fantastic, and really? How can you not support a company owned and operated by such smart and fabulous women?

Their office is on the upper East side, and the minute we got out of the cab we were completely taken with the area. SO beautiful! Their neighborhood is my new favorite part of New York! I mean, just look at how charming even their entry is!

Here they are in action. Alyssa Tierney (left), Nancy (center), and Kerry (right). The tote bags Alyssa is holding are brand new and I can’t wait for them to come out! They’ve got great pockets inside and are unique from all the other totes out there on the market. I think you guys will love them ( I think she said they’d be available in a couple months)!

A sea of preppy grosgrain lines the wall. I wouldn’t mind looking at that all day!
When we walked to the end of their block to Central Park, this was the AMAZING view.

It was so great to spend time with these ladies and see them in action, and I honeslty look forward to seeing them again. Now I'm off to celebrate Blogger Appreciation week and order some belts and hats! ;-)

Madras, Stripes, Dots, & More!

Throw on your cutest tennis skirt and monogrammed bloomers, girls, or even just your khaki bermuda's and pink polo shirt! The lovely ladies at Chesapeake Rose have just unveiled their new Summer '07 collection of headbands and barrettes and they are offering them for the ridiculously affordable price of $12 each. TWELVE DOLLARS EACH!! *in loud game-show announcer voice*

To make things super easy on us, there is no need for a discount code this time as they've gone ahead and marked down the prices. I can tell you firsthand that neither the headbands OR barrettes hurt at all, so rush on over there before the sale ends and pick up a summer stash for yourself or some Christmas gifts! I'm headed out with the mini monograms this morning to meet up for a playdate, but I've got a few projects planned for this week since I'm starting to feel a little more like myself again. Happy Headband Shopping!

*UPDATE* Okay so I just clicked over to their site real quick and the designs are now maked down to $10!!! TEN DOLLARS, GIRLS! Start thinking teachers gifts, babysitter gifts, bridesmaids gifts, and Christmas!!

Bhati Beads Discount: Good Thru 4.3.07

I truly only have a few moments this morning, since this is the day Mini #1 has his interview/testing for the school we'd like him to attend next year. So that means I'm exhausted because I was agonizing over what he should wear this morning and stayed up late ironing, and now I've got to pull myself together and drop mini #2 off at a friend's house and chauffeur mini #1 to his appointment. What the heck kind of time is it this morning and I'm already exhausted? I'm no Psychic Friend but I do foresee a nap in my future today.

Anyway, for those of you who are as huge a fan of the Bhati Bead line as I am (specifically the silk knot earings I've posted on before), they are currently doing some spring cleaning and offering 20% off everything on their website. Just enter SPRING07 in the coupon code box at checkout to receive your discount. This offer is good while supplies last and does not apply to prior purchases. Also, folks, and this is really exciting, they have some awesome new colors that are not on the site too that customers can note in the comments section and still receive the discount on, such as coral, white/black, navy/fushia, navy/orange, bone, hot pink (a little lighter than the fuschia).


Really , if you haven't checked this company out yet, you really should do it now while everything is on sale and if you want to check out the much talked about silk knot earings, then just click here to go directly to those. I can already tell you off-hand 4 color combos that are calling my name! Happy Shopping (and saving!)!

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!

Invite Cottage Shipping Discount

I just returned from taking the mini monograms and a friend to the park for lunch and playing. And after chasing down the ducks to stay away from our lunch like some crazy woman, I can honestly say I am exhausted. Of course, this is to say nothing of the headache I've been sporting all day long due to Mr. Monograms freight train-like snoring and the fire alarm battery that was dying and beeping ALL NIGHT LONG. But before I head up for a little afternoon siesta, here's another discount for all you happy internet shoppers today.

Kim from Invite Cottage sent me an email to let me know that they are now offering FREE shipping to all orders over $75. And with some adorable totes and personalized items to chose from I'm sure it won't be too difficult to find a few things you simply can't live without (like this new turquoise and brown striped tote that would look great with a monogram for a gift!). You know it's never too early to start thinking about gifts for teachers and graduates!

A. Tierney Discount

You all know how much I love this line of accessories so I'm super excited to share with you that for one week only, A. Tierney is offering 15% off just in time for the arrival of their new spring line! The new belt and bag designs are personal faves of mine, and I can tell you from personal experience that after 4 years and many many washings, my belts still look good as new!

Hop on over there and enter MISSEDYOU at checkout to receive your 15% off discount!

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.

Bhati Beads Discount

I have to give thanks to Mel for first introducing us to Bhati Beads and their must-have Silk Knot Earings a few months ago (thanks, Mel!). Since finding them through her, I have been a big fan and was super excited to share with you that Bhati Beads is offering 15% off everything on their site. Just enter SWIMSUIT as the coupon code on the checkout page through the month of February '07 (not including prior purchases).

Really, what more can I say about this classic yet chic earings that were conceived from men's cufflinks?