What every Southern girl should have

I love monograms- on EVERYTHING!

mrs. and the misc.

What is small or large, can be multi-colored,  has been a royal seal, but has also been found on common bath towels? A monogram!

      Monograms originated many years ago as royal seals for kings and queens. Since then they have been stamped on coins, a signature for artisans, a symbol of ones place in society (Victorian era), and now can even be incorporated into the seats of luxury cars. These personal identifiers are found on stationary, pillowcases, bath towels, suitcases, shirts, jewelry, or bags.

For a friends recent bridal shower, I wanted to gift something that would be unique only to her and her soon-to-be husband. I contacted Tina Marie Creations, who I have used in the past for monogram projects, and asked that she embroider the couples initials on a nice set of 600 count pillowcases.  The bride loved them! If your looking for that…

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M&J Blog

Prabal Gurung delivered an amazing collection during Fall 2013 NYFW.  It had a very strong military vibe that we love!  Every harness and buckled shoe that walked across that runway left us inspired to create our own!  Now it’s time to head over to our collections of leather and buckles and start getting creative!

images via Vogue

 

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A little cute and happy moment for your Friday 🙂

Valentine’s Day with Kids

While searching for cute (non-candy) Valentine’s Day ideas for my daughter to bring to school, I came across an amazing number of adorable activities for and with your little ones to celebrate Valentine’s Day.  Here are a few of my absolute favorites:

1. Love letters to your children placed into a handmade “book of notes” from the Playful Learning

Love Letters

2. 30 Valentine’s Day activities for kids from Tinkerlab which shows several activities that would be fun for toddlers and older kids alike.  She includes links to DIY Valentine’s Day cards, gifts, crafts, food, etc.

3. Then I finally found what I was looking for – non-candy Valentines for my daughter’s school class. Check out this link from Plucky Momo for some adorable ideas for classroom Valentines.

I hope you and your families have a wonderful Valentine’s Day filled with lots of love!

Wildflowers Jumper

Cute wildflower little girl jumper

What is Possible?

What is Possible?.

National Cancer Prevention Month

February is National Cancer Prevention Month. Each year February 4^th is named World Cancer Day by the World Health Organization and International Union Against Cancer.  Its purpose is to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage prevention, early detection and treatment. Research shows that at least one-third of most common cancers could be prevented by eating a healthy, plant-strong diet, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight.  What better way to promote cancer prevention than by preparing this plant-based dish?   Studies link eating more cruciferous or cabbage-family vegetables with lower risk of breast, prostate, lung and colorectal cancers.  Their anti-cancer properties come from their isothiocyanate, indole, carotenoid and flavonoid phytochemicals, their fiber, and their vitamins and minerals.  This recipe can turn a vegetable hater to a vegetable lover! Thank you to Scottsdale Healthcare for this great information!

Sauteed Brussels Sprouts and Greens with Apple

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 Tablespoons expeller pressed canola oil
• 2 Tablespoons shallots, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup brussels sprouts, washed and quartered
• 2 cups Lacinato (dinosaur) kale, washed, rough chopped
• 2 cups swiss chard, washed, rough chopped
• 4 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 4 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup Honeycrisp apples, medium diced (or other crisp apple of choice)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

In large sauté pan, heat oil.  Sauté shallots and garlic. Add brussels sprouts.  Sauté until tender, but firm. Add chopped greens, vinegars and apple.  Sauté lightly. Sprinkle in nutmeg.  Stir until mixed through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve immediately.

Yield: 3 cups

Approximate nutritional breakdown per ½ cup serving: 68 calories, 1 gram protein, 4 grams fat, 7 grams carbohydrate, 1.5 grams fiber, 95 milligrams sodium (using salt)

Thank you Terri Taylor, RD from the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare

Strength and Love

Last night, I was incredibly moved by the Sandy Hook Elementary chorus performance before the Super Bowl. While their sweet voices were singing “America the Beautiful”, I could not help but be struck by the remembrance that everyday is a blessing with our little ones.  Even the days where the tantrums are exhausting, I know I am truly blessed to have that moment with her. I am sure any of the parents who lost a child at Sandy Hook would give anything to have one more tantrum from their little one.  I am moved not only by the strength of all the children and their parents, teachers, families, first responders,  and all the people affected by this tragedy.  Your strength and love is nothing less than a miracle. Truly amazing!

Marc and Angel Hack Life Blog

Marc and Angel Hack Life Blog

Practical Tips for Productive Living

Valentine’s Day Love Stories

Happy Valentine’s Day

I love reading Marc and Angel Hack Life every morning in my inbox.  In the spirit of upcoming Valentine’s Day, looked on their site for some love stories, and I  found a compilation of 60 tiny love stories that made me so happy.  I wanted to share the link with you to hopefully make you smile also. Check out Marc and Angel Hack Life or Makes Me Think to read the full article

1. Today, my 75-year-old grandpa who has been blind from cataracts for almost 15 years said to me, “Your grandma is just the most beautiful thing, isn’t she?” I paused for a second and said, “Yes she is. I bet you miss seeing that beauty on a daily basis.” “Sweety,” my grandpa said, “I still see her beauty every day. In fact, I see it more now than I used to when we were young.” MMT
2. Today, I walked my daughter down the aisle. Ten years ago I pulled a 14 year old boy out of his mom’s fire-engulfed SUV after a serious accident. Doctors initially said he would never walk again. My daughter came with me several times to visit him at the hospital. Then she started going on her own. Today, seeing him defy the odds and smile widely, standing on his own two feet at the altar as he placed a ring on my daughter’s finger MMT.

Read 58 other tiny love stories to make you smile at:http://www.marcandangel.com/2011/11/20/60-tiny-love-stories-to-make-you-smile/