Trick or Treat!

Don't forget to take advantage of the last day of the Monogram Chick 10% discount. Use the code YUMMY at checkout.

I Am A Guest Blogger!

Although I am still trying to find the light of day from under mounds and mounds of work I wanted to let y'all know that a few days ago, I wrote a little piece for Elizabeth Ann Designs (a fabulous wedding blog) and the article {Monogram It!} is being featured today...I'd love for y'all to check it out!

And the Recipe Box Goes to...

...Pearls and Grace! Congratulations on winning the Monogrammed Recipe Box Giveaway!

Again, a huge thank you to all who participated in the giveaway by not only entering but also letting all your blog friends know about the Monogram Chick giveaway.

There will be more freebies to come in the near future, I promise. For now, take advantage of the discount code YUMMY through the end of October, why not shop with a 10% discount?

Have a great night everyone, I'll be back at in the morning...catching up on all that's been going on in your lives.

I'll Be Back!

Hey Y'all! I wanted to tell all my loyal bloggy friends that I will be back soon! The trunk show was a success and tons of fun (and work)! I loved working face to face with so many of my fantastic clients and my mom, sister and dad outdid themselves with their help! Thank you to all who attended and to my family for their amazing help.

I will be back into the swing of things Thursday, I apologize that I've been MIA in blog-land lately, I will be back to your blogs--I'm anxious to catch up on what you've been up to!

Also, it is NOT TOO LATE to sign up for the Recipe Box Giveaway. The winner will be chosen tomorrow {Wednesday} evening.

Thank you Nina for your sweet comments, miss you too!

Fabulous Fall Wedding Totes

Click here to enter the Monogrammed Recipe Box Giveaway.

Enter through Wednesday, October 29th.

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

I worked with the most adorable client recently. She knew she wanted to do tote bags for her bridesmaids and knew she wanted to create a custom look for them that mirrored her fall wedding colors. We emailed back and forth and in the end this is what we came up with.

I think the girls look amazing and their bags will be a great reminder of the fun they shared with their newlywed friend.

I love to do custom work, email me any time!

Overwhelmed

I am speechless. As I write this post there are currently over 220 comments for the Monogrammed Recipe Box Giveaway. Seriously, y'all...220!

Thank you to everyone who posted about the giveaway and shared such nice comments about my shop, my baby. I have been working my way through the comments trying to check out all of the new "faces"...if I haven't gotten to you yet, I will, in time.

For now, I thought I'd tease you with a few of the great Christmas things to come! Those that will be able to attend the Open House will get a sneak peek at some of the exciting new Christmas items.

It's not too late, you can still enter the GIVEAWAY! Click here or scroll to the next post.

Another {can you believe it?} Giveaway!

Seriously! Two give aways in one week, could it get any better?
You'll think so when you find out what the giveaway is....but first a few hints.

{Monogram}

{Organization}

{Poultry, Meat, Fish, Veggies, Dessert}

You still with me, you ready? Do you have an idea of what the giveaway is swirling around in your pretty little head?



Did you guess this:





That's right, chickadees. A Monogrammed Recipe Box is up for grabs today!

To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment which includes your favorite recipe box catergory from which to cook/bake.

As usual, if you blog about this giveaway and the winner mentions you in their comment, y-o-u win too! Enter through Wednesday, October 29th, 5 pm.

What goes better with a recipe box than recipe cards? I am happy to introduce you to the newest addition to the Monogram Chick line--personalized recipe cards.

While these are not included in today's freebie, they are available on the website and with the discount code YUMMY you'll receive 10% off your Monogram Chick purchase through the end of the month.

Here's to happiness in the kitchen!

bloggers--feel free to grab this image for your blog.

Thank you Nester for hosting such a great event: Buy Handmade this Christmas. Check out her tassles on etsy. I bought one this morning!

The Sunshine State

...is calling my name! This weekend, I will be heading to my parent's home in sunny Florida to spend a few days. While there, my awesome parents will be hosting a Monogram Chick Open House. If you're in the central Florida area I would be so happy to have you to join the Christmas Shopping Fun!

Please email me for details. I feel it is best to not plaster my parent's address across the internet but would happily welcome any of my bloggy friends and friends of theirs.

Monogram Chick Open House

Monday, October 27th

10:00 am until 7:00 pm

Lakeland, Florida

WINNERS!!

After a super crazy day here in the Monogram Chick studios I was finally able to draw the giveaway winners (that's right, 2 winners this time)! Without further ado, the Halloween Bucket Tote winners are:

&

Congrats Ladies! I'll be in touch for personalization details and get your totes in the mail asap.

Thanks to everyone that entered, became a follower and blogged about the Monogram Chick giveaway. You'll have another chance to enter a giveaway this WEDNESDAY!

I will leave you for now with one last Halloween photo. This is one of Daddy Monogram Chick {as in my daddy} when he was little...chicks and ducks, they're close relatives right?

Facebook Group

So, one of my other obsessions (apart from blogging) is Facebook. I have started a Monogram Chick Facebook group and would love all my faithful (and brand-new) readers to join!

I plan to post when I offer giveaways, sales, new products and will also offer special deals to Group Members.

Joining is easy....click here!

Halloween Blog Party

Welcome to the Halloween Fun!

Monogram Chick is celebrating the start of fall with a great giveaway for not just one, but TWO lucky Monogram Chick shoppers!

Here's the deal...leave a comment with which Halloween Bucket Tote you like best along with your all time favorite Halloween Candy and you're entered!

It gets better, if you're a Monogram Chick blog "follower" you automatically get your name thrown in the bucket tote an extra time! If your not a follower, simply click to follow and you've got yourself 2 entries into the giveaway.

It gets even better...blog about the Monogram Chick giveaway {please note in your comment that you blogged about it} and I'll enter your name an extra 2 times! That is a possibility of 4 entries into the giveaway. What better way to ensure your little trick or treat-ers catch candy in style?

Monday afternoon, I will draw 2 commenter's names from the Halloween Bucket Tote and will announce the winners...what fun?!

3 Styles: Spider, Bat, & Skull and Cross Bones

All include personalization of your choice on backside.

Thanks to A Fanciful Twist for hosting the bloggy fun!

MC Goes Global

I am SO EXCITED! We took our first International order this week. The residents in Dubai, United Arab Emirates are crazy about our Preppy Travel Mugs too!

Shop today while the mugs are still on sale, they return to regular price tomorrow!

Check back tomorrow for the Halloween Blog Party Giveaway...you won't want to miss the ghoulish fun.

Preppy Travel Mug Sale Ends Friday!

Stock up N-O-W! The Preppy Travel Mugs are on sale for one more day; Saturday they will return to their regular price ($20).

Speaking of Saturday, I'll be joining in the Halloween Blog Party and will be giving away an amazing surprise! Check back this weekend for your chance to enter and WIN!

Wordless (Kinda) Wednesday

The Chick at work (today!) with previously mentioned "air traffic controller" headphones.

{I am SO NOT above self-humiliation for some comments!}

S-A-L-E!

T minus 16 days until Halloween and Monogram Chick is having a sale! Now is the perfect time to make sure your child will not only have the cutest costume on the block but also the most adorable Treat Bag in the neighborhood. And while your shopping, why not pick up a Preppy Travel Mug for yourself. Perfect for coffee, hot spiked cider, or warm cocoa while traipsing through the neighborhood with your little Spiderman and Barbie.

Order by October 23rd to ensure Halloween delivery.

**Another Giveaway coming this weekend during the Halloween Blog Party!**

Hear Ye, Hear Ye

There is always major excitement when babies are born, engagements are made, milestone birthdays are reached and graduation announcements are made.

Let everyone see your pride with a yard sign, designed just for you.

Recently, some friends of ours had QUADRUPLETS (yes, that's right, 4 babies at one time!) and realized they had to announce the birth to everyone. Not only did it let friends and neighbors know that the bundles of joy had arrived, but it was also a great way for this local doc to let current and future patients know where she'd been for the last few weeks.

Do you have an upcoming event for which you'd like Monogram Chick to design a sign? Would you love your monogram plastered in your front yard for all to see? Simply order your sign via the website and we'll work out the design details (with picture proofs, of course) via email.

We even make it easy to display the sign in the yard with an add on "pole kit" and tutorial.

Endless Uses Include:

• Welcome Home the Bride and Groom (with or without monogram)
• Announce New Graduates
• Welcome Back Solider
• Welcome Home New Baby
• Engagement Announcement
• Open for Business
• Birthday Announcement
• New Grandparent Announcement

Alright bloggers, let's hear your ideas!

You Asked, I Answered (Part 2)

Tell us about your dog...Bailey!
Bailey is my baby. He is a 6 year old miniature Australian Shepherd. He is spoiled rotten! He is the official dog of Monogram Chick.

Do you monogram everything yourself?
Yes! All embroidered items are creations of my own.

What is your favorite store to shop at for yourself? Hmm, that is a hard one. You can find me most often in Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor LOFT, Target (I’m a Super Target snob), Macy’s and Nordstrom (they have the BEST shoes!)

How did you get started - what was the first thing you monogrammed?
As I mentioned earlier, I actually started with just stationery. Then, my nephew was born and things just evolved. My very first piece was a burp cloth. I got my machine a week before Christmas; I stayed up until all hours making all sorts of gifts for the family!

What kind of embroidery machine you have for your business?
I actually run 2 commercial embroidery machines, they are so loud I have to wear air traffic controller head phones when I’m in the room with them and they are both stitching away. Dr. Monogram Chick says I’m going deaf. Huh?

If you and your hubby could travel, where would you go and why?
If I’m choosing, I’d love to go to northern Italy and Switzerland. My grandmother is a first generation American from northern Italy. I fell in love with the countryside when the Winter Olympics were held there and want to visit so badly! I don’t really have a good reason to go to Switzerland other than it seems so uniquely beautiful and clean. If you were to ask my husband, I think he’d choose the Galapagos Islands. He loves exotic animals and unique places.

WHEN do you sleep? I see posts, comments and emails with all times of the day/night!
Seriously, I don’t know!

Is everything in your house monogrammed?
I wish! You know the saying, “the cobbler’s children never have shoes”? Well it is kind of like that around here. When I get a new product I most often monogram/embroider one for myself (if I don’t do it for my sister, mom, or friends) as a test but sadly, not everything is monogrammed. My shower curtain boasts our combined monogram but my pillowcases are not monogrammed, I would love to get to that one day!

How did your husband propose? It was really very sweet and unforgettable. We were in my hometown during Christmas break and he took me to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants downtown that overlooks a beautiful park with a fountain and amazing Christmas lights. (This is the same park he told me he loves me for the first time.) We walked through the park, just talking and looking at the lights. He set the camera up to take a photo using the timer. We took one photo & he said he blinked we needed to take another. He went to set the camera and came back and dropped to one knee. I was totally surprised and we have the special moment on film(digital “film”)!

What college football team do you root for?
Go Dawgs!! Georgia Bulldogs, that is.

Do you have an actual brick and mortar store?
For now, Monogram Chick is just online…who knows, maybe one day when we are settled there will be a brick and mortar store in Georgia?!

What's your favorite thing to cook... and please include the recipe :-)
Cooking is not my forte. I keep it simple with stir fry and grilled chicken most nights. However, I LOVE to bake! Right now, we are loving the oatmeal chocolate chip cookies that I posted the recipe for a few weeks back. I love anything sweet; I’ll be sharing more recipes in the near future!

How long have you been sewing (not just monogramming)?
I’ve been sewing since I was a child. I grew up with my very own Martha Stewart. My mom was quite the domestic engineer. She smocked and sewed all of my and my sister’s dresses when we were little. She even did a few homecoming dresses in junior high. Naturally, I picked up on the nack for craftiness. My first project was a scrunchy then I moved onto tote bags and pajamas. I can remember my mom teaching my entire Girl Scout troop how to sew!

What is the hardest item you have ever monogrammed?
The most challenging thing that I ever embroidered was a slip cover for a child’s chair. It was so big and bulky and the client wanted the name as large as possible, it took both me and Dr. M.C. to get that sucker on the machine! I prayed the whole time it stitched.

Well, there you have it. This was a ton of fun, let's do it again soon!

Show your Thanks & Take Advantage of the SALE

Autumn is my favorite time of year, I just love it! I love to bake and burn pumpkin spice candles and have the doors open during the day and the heat on at night; I just adore fall and everything about it.

It is during this time of year that I am most thankful for my family and friends. Maybe because of the impending Holiday season and the hustle and bustle that it brings or maybe because fall tends to put a smile on my face and it is easy to see what I am so blessed with. Whatever the reason, it is during this time of year that I find myself picking up small gifts of appreciation for my friends and my family.

The Preppy Travel Mug with brown floral insert is a great little "fall happy" for your best friend, mom, daughter, teacher, the list goes on and on. And is a great way to say "thank you". Add some spiced tea* tied up with pretty ribbon and a themed card with directions for a gift that they are sure to love. I've included the spiced tea recipe, a card to print off with serving instructions and for ONE WEEK ONLY, the Preppy Travel Mugs are on SALE!

*I had a friend in high school whose mom always had this spiced tea on hand in the fall months. When we'd come in from tennis practice with a chill on our cheeks she'd heat up some water and serve us this warm goodness. It is so easy to make, stores well, and makes a great gift.

Spiced Tea

1 1/2 cup Tang

3/4 cup instant iced tea mix (I like to use the lemon flavored Lipton Mix)

1 1/2 cups white sugar

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

2 tsp. ground cloves

1 tsp. ground ginger

Mix all ingredients together and store in an air tight container. Makes 4 cups.

To serve: Add 3 tsp to 8 oz. hot water and enjoy!

Click on the image below to print and give with your thoughtful gift.

You Asked, I Answered (Part 1)

What fun! I loved reading through the creative questions y'all asked. Thanks so much for asking questions and participating! This was really so much fun for me. I have decided that rather than bore you with all the answers in one long post I'll break them up over the next couple of days. Here is the first installment...

How did you get your title design at the top of your blog? I think it's so cute!
The title design is kind of a mesh of different things. The inspiration is my logo for Monogram Chick and the header for my website. I had a plain white header with the pink ribbon and chick in the flower with the wording underneath until Summer gave my blog a little sprucing up. She turned it the header green and gave my blog the matching dots from my website. I love it too!

Where did you go to college and how did you meet your husband?
My husband and I both went to Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. We met during my first weekend at college (he is a year older than me) when my roommate and I went out with a bunch of random people to see a movie (Conspiracy Theory). We were friends first and then started dating in November 1997!

When and why did you decide to start a darling monogram shop??
I taught middle school science for 4 years and decided I needed a creative outlet and change in my life. I wanted flexibility with my schedule since Dr. Monogram Chick did not work on Fridays and we liked to travel. Monogram Chick actually started as a stationery business and has blossomed into what you see today!

What is YOUR favorite product in your line? That is a hard question since I build my products based on things that I like and think others will like too. I love the kitchen towels and the preppy travel mugs but I also love the address stamps and zippered totes (mine is chocolate with an aqua Victorian monogram).

What was the last movie you saw in the theatre?
My friend, Brooke, and I saw “The Women”. But I have many more movies that I’d like to see on my list. Since we live in Iowa and the winters are horrible we tend to go to a lot of movies during the snowy months since we can’t have lovely dinners on the patio.

Why did you start blogging?
We moved from Georgia to the Midwest for my husband’s residency and it was an easy way to keep in touch with family and friends back home, now it is an addiction!

Where do you see your blog in 1 year?
In 1 year, I see my blog continuing to offer giveaways and highlight the products on MonogramChick.com while continuing to let people know a little more about me and my life.

Describe your all time, all way, I want to shake my booty--I look hot outfit...describe it so we feel like we are wearing it!
I’m pretty simple & classic in my style, I love my Joe’s jeans and a fitted black turtleneck with black BCBG wedges with a great pair earrings. Of course, any great outfit is highlighted with great makeup. I love Bare Escentuals and Laura Mercier.

What do you miss most about Georgia??
Wow! I don’t think I can narrow it down to just one thing…I miss being so close to my family, the warmer weather, PUBLIX, sweet tea, my friends, SEC football, the fabulous shopping, southern hospitality, the back porch that spans the length of our home where Dr. M.C. and I would sit almost every night.

How long have you been married?
We married in June of 2004, so we have been married a little over 4 years. We dated for 7 years before we got married so we have been together for 11 years! My husband is my best friend, I love him more and more every day!

Where are you from originally? I was born in Tennessee. When I was 2 my parents moved to Florida. I lived there until I headed to Alabama for college. I lived in B’ham for 7 years and then moved to my husband’s home town in Georgia (which I’ve adopted as my hometown). We lived in Georgia for 3 years until we moved to Iowa. We will go home to Georgia in June (8 months and counting!)

What was your major in college?
I was an Education major in college. If I had it to do over again, I would have done something else, business or graphic design?

How much is that darling monogrammed recipe box? (that one is more for me! :)) The recipe box is $24.50, I think you need it! :)

Ask the Chick

I've seen other bloggers doing this and thought it would be a fun change of pace for the Chick blog. This is your chance to "Ask the Chick". Leave a comment with your question and Wednesday you'll know all you ever wanted to know about me.

A recent photo of me and my sister, oh how far we've come! Decided I needed to add this since I've included all of those embarrassing childhood Halloween photos. Do you forgive me Katie?

I Would Like to Thank

Mojito Maven...for bestowing on Mongoram Chick the BFF Gold Credit Card Award.

Nina...for the fantastic Kreativ Blogger Award {that she, by the way, made *shine* by using all of her "Kreativ" juices to redesign it}

Monogrammed Teacher...for not just one, but two thoughtful awards, The Smile Award, and the MT created (in true teacher fashion, which we all know I can appreciate since I was also apple clad for years), The A+ Blogger Award.

Thank you, wonderful ladies. Seriously, I am honored to have recieved these awards. Espcially from bloggers whom I stalk adore! If you've not been to their blogs and added them as your daily reads--you must!

The Kreative Blogger Award requires that you list 6 things that make you happy and pass it on to 6 other bloggers. I will pass along to just one, but here is my list of 6 "happies".

1. Spending time with my family & friends

2. Fall weather

3. Shopping

4. Baking and trying new recipes

5. Traveling with my husband

6. My dog, Bailey

I would like to give Mongorammed Teacher the Kreativ Blogger Award. You are awesome and I know we are kindred spirits!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am pretty sure that most of Blog-land has received the first 3 awards however, since the A+ Award is new, I will pass it along. The rules state you are to pass it to two other fabulous bloggers, but I tend to live on the edge and break a few rules (not really, but I sometimes wish I did) and am going to pass it onto a few more than two (hope that is ok MT)!

In my mind the A+ Blogger Award goes to:

A newer blog friend: A Belle and her Beau

A girl whom I love and wish I knew in real life: Nina

A chick that rocks my world: Rhea

A prepster that's got it all together: Southern Prep

Here are the rules for passing the along this prestigious award...

1. You should pay it forward to 2 other blogger and let them know they won

2. You should give them a compliment

3. You should thank your giver

4. You should post your award for the world to see!

Happy Sunday Y'all!

The Grapes Have It

This was such a fun giveaway for me! I loved reading all of the great costumes--I am amazed at the creativity out there! Here's another photo of my sister and me at Halloween...we were a little younger and there is noticeably less blush.

I used good 'ole Random.org to generate our winner and I was (to be honest) surprised when #1 came up...that never happens. So, congrats Blue Eyed Bride, you are the winner of the Trick or Treat Tote! Maybe this year you can resurrect the balloons and hit the neighborhood. Or, use this tote to make those little trick or treaters happy with some yummy candy. I'll email you for your address and stick it in the mail this weekend!

For those of you that didn't win, but would like a tote take advantage of a little Monogram Chick Halloween love with a 15% discount on your next purchase. Simply use the code TREAT for your discount.

Stay tuned, another giveaway is in the works for next week!