NOT leaving on a jet plane

So we are stuck in the south (can you hear the happiness in my voice?!) Our flight for this afternoon was cancelled, we should be high in the sky right now, however we are firmly planted on the ground with plans for a late night jaunt back to the midwest.

I thought I'd take this moment to thank all of my loyal blog readers for sticking with me these last couple of weeks as things have been nuts-o!

I have been sneaking into blog land every once in a while but haven't had an opportunity to read and comment, I will be back!

This week holds some exciting things. First, I will be participating in the SITSmas fun on Tuesday and giving away 2 Personalized Plates! Check back and enter! Secondly, I will be hitting the big 3-0 this Thursday and promise some bloggy birthday fun too!

Happy Sunday, chick-a-dees!

12/5/08 Deadline for Christmas Orders and Contest Winner!!

Dr. MonogramChick here,

The Chick is in the studio plugging away at getting caught up on orders from this weekend!! We had a blast! I have a couple of reasons for rudely interupting the normal estrogen filled preppiness that is the MonogramChick Blog!

#1). I'd like to send a shout out to MomChick, SisterChick, and CrazyAuntChick (said with the most affection (crazy)). These ladies made up Team MonogramChick this weekend and it would have never hapened without all their hard work!! Thank you!!! Even though we ended up with four from Venus and only one from Mars (myself) in our tiny house one night, it was worth it and we appreciate your help!!

Team MonogramChick.com

#2). I have been asked to make this very important announcement:

ALL ORDERS FOR CHRISTMAS MUST BE PLACED BY DECEMBER 5th!!!

.

ALL ORDERS FOR CHRISTMAS MUST BE PLACED BY DECEMBER 5th!!!

Orders placed after this will ship after the beginning of 09!

#3). I get to announce the winner of the 100th post giveaway!!! And the winner is........

Mrs. Newlywed
Please Email MC with the details for the mug and scarf!!!

Please be assured that the blog will soon return to the expected level of preppiness and thick gooey chocalate and pink!! I apologize for lowering the bar for the above post. :)

Signing off,

Dr. MonogramChick

Not Really M.I.A.

Hello Bloggy Friends!

I've been MIA for the last few days in preparation for the Junior League Market of Des Monies, Iowa. Thought I'd share a few photos of the MonogramChick Booth (taken via the blackberry, hence the quality) and invite anyone in the area to come on by!

Come shop Friday 9 am until 9 pm & Saturday 9 am until 5 pm.

I'll be back this weekend, and will get back to catching up on your lives and blogs!

I haven't posted or emailed the Cookie Swap partners but have made the list {actually, my sainted sister matched partners} and will post/email that on Sunday.

Have a great weekend, chickadees!

Last Day

To sign up for the Cookie Swap!

• Leave a comment here to let me know you'd like to enter.
• Then, just to be sure we get everyone entered, please send me an email {sarah@monogramchick.com} with the subject line "cookie swap" and include your blog address so that I'll have your blog and email address to share with your partners. Also, please include nut allergies, etc. in your email so that I can match people accordingly.
  You will be paired with 3 (hopefully, depending on the turn out) other bloggers.
  Each person will make 3 dozen cookies and will mail each of their partners 1 dozen cookies along with the recipe.
• Cookies must be home baked.
• Cookies must be prepared by adult hands, no little fingers in the dough (Sandy Toes, that one is for you)
• Partners will be assigned on Tuesday, November 18th
• All cookies should be mailed by December 2nd.
• Cookies should ship well packaged in air tight containers (like Ziploc bags) and packed well with paper or bubble wrap to avoid breakage.
• You need not have a blog to swap with us, anyone is welcome!

********Check out "A Proper 100th Post"!********

A Proper 100th Post

Geesh! This weekend (and the last week, for that matter) have been NUTS! Between fulfilling orders and preparing for the Junior League Market in Des Moines (more details to follow) Monogram Chick hasn't had much sleep lately. What a great problem to have!!

This is it. I've been consistently blogging for about 7 months and have posted 100 times. In the last 100 posts, I've shared new products, some of my favorite things, a little about me and Dr. Monogram Chick's favorite cookie recipe. I've hosted freebies and giveaways and given you great little discount codes too. And, I've met some great people too. I love that my sphere of friends has broadened thanks to the blogosphere! Here's to 100 more posts and beyond!

As a means of celebration, I think a giveaway is in order! And since this is a Celebration, I am going to GIVEAWAY two of my *Favorite Things*; things that I am using on a daily basis: a Preppy Travel Mug and Monogrammed Scarf.

Here's the deal. Leave a comment including YOUR FAVORITE MONOGRAM CHICK PRODUCT and the number of posts you've made on your blog (if your a blogger) through Friday, November 21st. Then, on Saturday morning I will choose a winner.

Bloggers, you know the drill. If you blog about this giveaway and the winner mentions you, YOU win too! {Feel free to grab the graphic for your blogs}

You can still sign up for the Cookie Swap. Sign ups are open through tomorrow.

Featured Product: Kitchen Towels

Put a little Christmas funk in the kitchen! These towels make a great gift for that person you who you need to get just a little something. Be it your neighbor who gets your mail when you leave town, or the hostess of your annual Holiday Party, these towels make the perfect gift...and they are a perfect price.

Regularly $17, this week's feature price is $15!

Stock up now, while you can save!

These towels are the same as our traditional Monogrammed Kitchen Towels. They are a best seller, I think it is because they are not only functional & adorable, but they are also bleachable!

Sippy Cups are Here!

Personalized Drinkware is not just for Adults anymore! Monogram Chick now carries Personalized Sippy Cups for Kids. Made by Playtex and BPA free, our sippy cups are the perfect accessory for any diaper bag or backpack. The straw retracts keeping the germs at bay.

The Monogrammed Sippy Cups feature a snap lock for easy disassembly so they can be cleaned on the top-rack of the dishwasher. The 10 ounce cups are insulated to keep drinks cool and fresh longer.

Choose from aqua, red or purple tops & a variety of inserts.

Blog Design Sale

Y'all know that the awesome Danielle gave my blog it's great Christmas look. She is offering a great SALE, go check her out!

Fab Fun Finds...

...is hosting a Monogram Chick Giveaway!

Go check them out and enter to win THIS:

Giveaway closes on November 20th

The machines are humming along and things are super busy today. I promise to post an official 100th post entry along with the terrific giveaway I mentioned--hopefully this weekend! For now, check out Fabulous Fun Finds...I'd love for one of my readers to win the Giraffe Spa Wrap!

For Men!

I know we tend to favor the chicks around here but we've just added a great gift for the men in your lives.

Our Black Canvas Dopp Kit is a great gift for fathers, brothers, sons, husbands, cousins, groomsmen, the list goes on and on! Check them out while your shopping for yourself!

Almost There

The 100th post is coming soon!

Check back for a great giveaway surprise!

Please don't forget to enter the Cookie Swap...we've had a great turn out so far, but would love to have anyone that wants to be in on the baking action join us. That includes you vegans out there! We already have 2 signed up who will be baking vegan...anyone else?!

Stamp Winner

This year The Jerkins Family will be stamping their Christmas cards with a Holiday Personalized Address Stamp! Daphne is such a sweet blogger friend, I am so glad random.org chose her.

The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimney With Care

When we were little (who am I kidding, we still do this) the first thing we did was empty our stockings. Before any of the Christmas festivities started my sister and I loved to sift through the goodies in our stockings.

Without fail, each year, we receive an ornament. I have been getting a silver cross ornament for years. It is always fun to see what Santa chose. Some years they are ornate, victorain designs and others are simple, traditional crosses. One day, I will have a tree decorated totally from Wallace silver bells and Lenox and/or Wallace crosses. (Dr. Monogram Chick has received a Wallace silver bell every year since he was born)

What better way to start or continue a family tradition than with a Personalized Polka Dot or Damask over sized stocking?

Two of my favorite things: damask and polka dots...could these stockings be any greater?! Santa won't get confused this year at your house, with these personalized stockings lining the mandle.

As Christmas approaches, it is fun to continue family traditions and create new ones. What is your favorite tradition or what tradition do you plan to start this year?

Preppy Monogrammed Scarves

There is still time...don't forget to enter the Cookie Swap!

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As I've said (over and over, I know) winter has hit the Midwest in full force. I went to the basement this past weekend and un-earthed our scarves, hats, gloves and anything with extra warmth. Until now, most of my winter-wear would not qualify me for any fashionista awards. However, you see, now I have my very own Monogrammed Scarf and you can too!
Gone are the days of my drab cold weather gear...hello, preppy scarf! Choose from red, grey or black.
Wouldn't a grey scarf with a pink monogram look fabulous around your neck? Not a pink fan? What about a classic red scarf with navy monogram?
The color options are many, the price is unbeatable {$21} and they are sure to prep-ify your winter weather wear.

Terrific Tuesday

A Pre-Holiday Happy a la Monogram Chick & Tip Junkie

Check out the Tip Junkie web site for the 12 Days of Junkie. It is there that you will find a Custom Christmas Stamp up for grabs--hip, hip, hooray!

Check out the rules and enter to win!

I'm going to sweeten the deal...if you enter to win the giveaway at Laurie's site and leave a comment here that includes your favorite HOLIDAY STAMP DESIGN, I will pick one ADDITIONAL winner Wednesday morning. That's two chances to win!

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It's Not Too Late to Enter the Cookie Swap...the More the Merrier!

Featured Product: Ornaments

Traditionally, the day after Thanksgiving we shop. The day after that we DECORATE!

This year I'll be adding these great ornaments to my tree!

Take advantage of this week's featured item pricing!

Sale Price: $29.99

Regular Price: $34.00

New, Navy Zippered Tote

Nothing says "prep" like a little navy. Navy and green, navy and pink, navy and red, navy and white...doesn't matter what you pair it with, navy blue is always a safe bet.

These *NEW* Navy Zippered Totes are the same fabulous and affordable bags that Monogram Chick already adores in Black and Chocolate Brown. While we wait for the black and brown to arrive so we're able to re-stock our shelves, let's show Navy some love.

This adorable Prepster is Jill {Peeptoe Pumps and Pearls} while on her trip to China. Many thanks, Jill, for allowing me to use your photo...you're a great model!

It's not too late, sign up for the Cookie Swap!

Coffee!

Winter is officially here in the Midwest and what goes better with cold winter days than coffee? I love coffee, nice piping hot coffee...blond and sweet...in a Preppy Travel Mug, of course.
Lauren, the Southern Newlywed, is hosting a giveaway for a Keurig Platinum Coffee Maker! I have been coveting this little gem and my little heart went pitter-pat this afternoon when I went to catch up on Lauren's life. Thanks for hosting a great giveaway...I sure hope I win!




PS- Don't forget to enter the Cookie Swap!

Cookie Swap

It is official...Monogram Chick will be hosting her First Annual Online Cookie Swap!




Here's the deal:

• Leave a comment here to let me know you'd like to enter.


• Then, just to be sure we get everyone entered, please send me an email {sarah@monogramchick.com} with the subject line "cookie swap" and include your blog address so that I'll have your blog and email address to share with your partners. Also, please include nut allergies, etc. in your email so that I can match people accordingly.


• You will be paired with 3 (hopefully, depending on the turn out) other bloggers.


• Each person will make 3 dozen cookies and will mail each of their partners 1 dozen cookies along with the recipe.


• Cookies must be home baked.


• Cookies must be prepared by adult hands, no little fingers in the dough (Sandy Toes, that one is for you)


• Partners will be assigned on Tuesday, November 18th


• All cookies should be mailed by December 2nd.


• Cookies should ship well packaged in air tight containers (like Ziploc bags) and packed well with paper or bubble wrap to avoid breakage.


• You need not have a blog to swap with us, anyone is welcome!

Bloggers, grab the image above or the button code below and share with your readers.

<center> <a href="http://monogramchick.blogspot.com"> <img src="http://www.monogramchick.com/images/cookieswap.jpg"/> </a></center>

Christmas Hits the Chick Blog

What do you think?!

I love my new Christmas look...thanks to Danielle [Blogs by Danielle], this Chick is feeling in the Christmas spirit!

It is funny how small the blog world is. I found Danielle through Jill [Peeptoe Pumps and Pearls] and am so happy that I did. Danielle is fantastic to work with. She is full of amazing, creative ideas and is a blogger genius...if you've been thinking of a blog makeover with Danielle--Go For It, you will not be dissapointed!

This Christmas makeover is just the first of many new and exciting things to come to Monogram Chick this holiday season. This weekend we will be debuting our new Christmas items {and let me just say, I couldn't be more thrilled with some of the great new things!} and then on Monday we'll be highlighting our first "feature product"!

It is snowing here in the Midwest today and the Cinnamon Spice candles are burning...Christmas is definitely in the air!

48 Days and Counting

...until Christmas!

People--that is 6 weeks!

Let me give you a moment to absorb that....

...Roughly 1100 hours...

Has the panic set in yet?

The annual shopping season is in it's early stages with promises of great deals and bargains all around. So, with that in mind Monogram Chick has a little surprise. For the next 5 weeks (because we will close December 16th to spend time with family and friends) we will feature a different product each week with a special "feature" price. This is the perfect time to stock up on personalized gifts for the holidays!

Each featured item will be posted here, on the blog, every Monday morning. The "feature" price will be in effect until the next featured item is posted.

Check back often, let all your friends know, I promise there will be great deals to be had!

I've Been Thinking

Which is scary, I know. One of my favorite traditions that my mom, sister and I had while Katie and I were growing up was hosting a Mother/Daughter Holiday Cookie Exchange. Sadly, this year, since we live in Iowa, I won't be able to continue the tradition in my home but thought it would be fun to do an online Christmas Cookie Swap.

{I totally wanted to put a photo of the three of us here, but mom is not around this morning to email me a photo, this one will have to do} credits: Becky Luigart-Stayner

This is what I'm thinking...

I will take sign-ups here on the blog then I will match each person with 3 other people. Everyone will bake 3 dozen cookies and send 1 dozen cookies to each of their partners {along with the recipe, of course}. In the end, each person will have 3 dozen different cookies to share with friends and family during the busy holiday season.

Mom, Katie and I always had the rule that they have to be home baked cookies. No wimping out and running to the grocery story for bakery cookies or slice and bakes!

I'd love your feedback, would you want to participate, does this sound like a good idea? Let me know what you think.

Rules of Monogramming--Revisited.

According to the recent key word searches, it seems that many out there in cyberspace are curious about the Rules of Monogramming. One of my first posts {back in February} was on this very topic. I thought I would republish it and add a few tidbits for y'all...

Monogram (noun) sign of identity usually formed of the combined initials of a name.

According to Webster, a monogram is a sign of identity. What better way is there to identify yourself? I am often asked about the appropriate order of a person’s or couple’s initials when creating a monogram. With this post I hope to shed some light on traditional and modern monograms. In the 19th and early 20th centuries the rules for monogramming were simple. Sarah Riching Woodall would easily recognize her monogram as

The earliest female monograms had the first name initial on the left, middle name initial on the right and last name initial larger in the center. This monogram is still used most often today. As monograms began to cross gender lines the traditional male monogram emerged as having the letters of equal size in order of first initial, middle initial, and last initial. This monogram is still used today by both males and females. The monogram for Steven Niles Woodall would read:

As times have changed so have the traditional monogramming rules. It is quite common to see a “joint monogram” for couples. The join monogram for Sarah & Niles Woodall would read:

Typically, the female’s first initial is on the left, the male’s first initial is on the right and their last name initial is larger in the center. However, this is not a hard and fast rule; often a couple will choose to put the male's name on the left and the female's on the right. If this is all to confusing for you, it is always safe to embroider the female's monogram on linens and the male's monogram on bar ware and forgo the trendy combined monogram.

Another common, more modern monogram is the Block Monogram in which the first initial and middle initial are stacked on top of each other to the left of a larger last name initial. Of course, the block monogram can also be used as a joint monogram as well with either all lowercase or all uppercase letters:

{I feel it is important to note that there is a distinction between a monogram and embroidery. To be exact, anytime thread is used to stitch a design (including letters) we call it "embroidery" however, when three letters are placed together it is called a monogram.}

That being said, it is also quite common to embroider names. The name can be in a countless number of fonts, adorned by a variety of different designs, the creativity is endless!

Do you have questions about monogramming or embroidery and the placement of letters or what is appropriate? I'd love to answer your questions, leave me a comment!

Tagged

Sandy Toes, over at Shell in Your Pocket tagged me a couple of weeks ago and I am just now getting around to responding--I'm such a slacker!

This is a hard one, but here goes:

• I am a loyal & would do anything for family and friends.
• My eyes are a unique shade of blue, almost turquoise.
• I adapt easily to change (& like it too, I used to move the furniture in my bedroom as a kid all the time)

I tag: Daphne, Monogrammed Teacher & Preppy 101

**********

I was also tagged by Henley on the Horn again, serious Slacker McSlackerton--it was a couple weeks ago.

Here are the rules: Pass it on to five other bloggers, and tell them to open the nearest book to page 56. Write out the fifth sentence on that page, and also the next two to five sentences...The CLOSEST BOOK, NOT YOUR FAVORITE, OR MOST INTELLECTUAL!!

From: Crane's Blue Book of Stationery, Edited by Steven L. Feinberg on the topic of wording used on an Invitation to a Wedding Held at the Residence of...

"Request the pleasure of your company" is generally used although you may use "request the honour of your presence" if you are having a religious ceremony.

Invitations to a Marriage Reception

Invitations to a marriage reception are sent when more people are invited to the reception than to the ceremony. Ceremony cards are enclosed with the invitations sent to those guests who are also invited to the wedding ceremony.

That is a totally random exerpt, but it is the closest book (and a great resource, I might add).

I tag: Nina; Rebecca Taylor; Wearing Mascara; Half Gaelic, Half Garlic; Rhea; & Sweet Simplicity

Have You Voted?

Today is the day! Exercise your right as an American and VOTE!

Don't Blink

...or you'll miss the Pay It Forward!

About a month ago (I know I am incredibly behind) I received a "happy" from Southern Prep which I totally love and brightened my day. I rarely get mail just for me, and it was such a nice feeling pulling that little package out of the mailbox. Now, I'm going to pass it on.

The "rules" state that the exchange focuses on doing an act of kindness without expecting anything in return other than that the recipient will, in their turn, pass the kindness along and pay it forward.

Here's how it works: I will send something fun, cute, & nice to the first 3 blog owners who post a comment on this entry. In turn, those three will post this information and pick 3 people they want to send something to and so on.

In your comment you must include your first, middle and last name initials and your favorite color.

Unfortunately, due to postage costs, I can only pay it forward within the United States. If you are interested in participating, be one of the first 3 blog owners to leave a comment! The little something you send can be something you made, bought, were given or found. Just a gift that will make the person smile.

**********UPDATE**********

Thank you Rhea, Kat, Embroidery Chick and (because I'm feeling extra kind today *wink, wink*), Nina for playing along!

I'll be contacting you for your addresses and will get your "happy" in the mail this week...now it's your turn to Pay It Forward!

A New Assistant?

Today was an amazing fall day; the leaves are changing and are beautiful!

{tree in the front yard}

The sun was shining, the air was crisp and Dr. Monogram Chick was playing ball with Doggy Monogram Chick after church this afternoon. Then, all of a sudden there was a commotion like none other. You see, Doggy had chased this little friend into the house!

After about 45 minutes, a serious inspection of one of the embroidery machines, and a trip through the ventilation system Mr. Chipmunk returned safely to the yard. Never a dull moment around here!

Doggy Monogram Chick

He was a Jester for Halloween!