Worthwhile Wednesday~Notes, Notes, Notes, Oh My!

This Worthwhile Wednesday, we are highlighting some of our notecards. Notes make such perfect gifts for any occassion or the perfect little "surprise" or "pick me up" for a friend. Our note sets come wrapped up neatly~ready for gift giving! These are also great addtions to gifts or good hostess gifts to keep on hand. They are affordable and with your purchase, you are helping some worthwhile causes!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we have added two new note sets to highlight this cause. There are two designs "Think Pink" and "Love and Hope" from our talented Kara Rosenberry Co. They are perfect for writing a lovely thinking of you note to a friend, a thank you note, or to use as a greeting card and can and should be used year round.

This note set is sold in sets of 8 and come neatly packaged in a clear sleeve with coordinating ribbon~perfect for gift giving. We are also happy to personalize with any text you would like free of charge. This is a great way to add a personalized touch or honor someone fighting this battle.

Throughout the month of October, we will donate 10% of each sale from our "Think Pink" or "Love and Hope" Notes to Spirit Jump, a wonderful cause dedicated to lifting cancer fighters spirits. Help us support this great charity. This is truly a fantastic and worthwhile charity with such dedicated people behind it.

If you haven't visited our Social Stationery page, you must go now. We have such great and unique sets to offer. One of my new favorites is the birdcage recycled stationery set. You get your choice of light blue or milkweed/beige colors. It was so hard to find stylish recycled stationery and we are thrilled to have something fun to offer.

All Coyne and Pinckney Stationery Sets are now marked 10% off. We love these designs and sets. Send a note to a friend on the adirondack chairs remembering summer memories or looking forward to sitting together chatting on similar chairs in the future. Now is a great time to stock up.

Also, Molly Lou Gifts gives back. We are giving 10% of all profits to our dear friend, Shaina at Post Smith to help in her quest to raise funds for the Monroe County Humane Society. Friday is the last day to help us donate to her worthwhile cause. We are so proud of her and admire her efforts! Think ahead for gifts or special items you've had your eye on lately as we give back! (See top left for more information.)

Pop over to our shop to see our offerings. Don't forget to enter our 200th Post Giveaway Fun! Tell a friend!

Have a great day!

Hopeful...

Could it be true? I am so pumped that there is a great possibility that the 2016 Summer Olympics may be in Chicago. I HEART the "Windy City" and would love for this great city to be the home to the world games. Chicago has so much to offer and if Oprah calls it home, then you know it must be something special!

I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Olympics. At the Molly Lou house, we have an Opening Ceremony party which is an elite guest list and we have been known to make some homemade Olympic ring cookies. I get glued to the television and catch myself getting up to watch television in the middle of the night to catch some events. Last summer, I was about to explode with Mini #2 and couldn't sleep anyway. This worked out PERFECTLY for catching all the happenings in Beijing.

I have a BFF, friends, and family that live in or very near Chicago. Selfishly, I also am excited that our family may get the chance to go. It is hard to believe, but Mini #1 will be 10 (almost 11) and Mini #2 will be 7 (almost 8) when these games are conducted and at ages to appreciate and enjoy what is going on.

I can't wait for October 2nd for the decision to be made...I am rooting for you, Chicago!!!

Have a great day!

PS-Have you entered our 200th Post Giveaway Fun yet? You don't want to miss it! Tell a friend!

Happy Birthday To You...

Happy, Happy 1st Birthday to my dear, sweet, beautiful little girl! I can't believe she is one...how time flies!

12 things I LOVE about my 12 month old:

1. I love her smile and beautiful blue eyes.

2. I love her infectious laugh. There is no sweeter sound and I love that she can get tickled over the smallest things. (Just look at that first picture.)

3. I love the way she can dance to the music.

4. I love her developing shoe obsession. She will crawl over to her shoes, pick them up and say "shoos" over and over. (Her favorite pair are her pink patent leather mocs.)

5. I love the way her face lights up and she get so excited when daddy walks through the door at night.

6. I love that she will eat ANYTHING that is put in front of her.

7. I love the way she sings to herself in the car. She sings louder when she is tired.

8. I love that she is in love with her brother and loves to just be in the room with him even though he doesn't typically pay any attention to her.

9. I love her budding interest in the world. She studies things so carefully.

10. I love the way she waves backwards.

11. I love when she reach for me saying "Mama" and then bury your face in my chest when I pick you up. I love smooching you and could kiss and cuddle you all day long.

12. I love everything about this sweet little girl including some of the things that drive me crazy. I love that it doesn't phase her one bit to be completely, disgustingly dirty or that she is perfectly content to crawl and will not walk no matter how many times we try, I love her headstrong spirit-there are just some things she will do.

I can't wait to see what the next year brings us. We are so blessed that she is in our life and love her to the moon and back. Happy, Happy Birthday sweet girl!

200th Post Giveaway Fun!!

Are you all wearing your party hats? Sound the noisemakers, shoot the confetti, and let's bust out the cake!

It is Molly Lou Gifts' 200th POST!! Isn't it exciting?!?!?!

Thanks friends for helping us get this far. We had such a busy weekend in the Molly Lou house that I decided to wait to post this exciting giveaway and post for today rather than yesterday. I love all the friends that I have made in Blogland and so appreciate you all joining us on this crazy and exciting journey.

So, let's get to the fun part. In honor of Molly Lou Gifts' 200th post, we are giving away a prize pack from our shop. We decided that we wanted to highlight some of the fabulous vendors that we are so thrilled to work with. This prize pack will include:

*a large personalized fall pail that says Happy Fall from Lima Bean Kids
*One set of Kara Rosenberry Co. Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Notes
*One set of folded notes from Ink Obsession Designs
*One set of Coyne and Pinckney folded notes of choice
*One set of Bitsy Creations Thank You typewriter notes
*One Fine Whines Linen Towel
*One personalized bag tag of choice from Moo Lou Fine Designs
*One $10.00 Gift Certificate to Molly Lou Gifts

This prize pack is valued over $80.00. Make sure you check out Molly Lou Gifts to see all the fantastic products...we have been adding so many new things.

**As a special incentive, if we can get 200 people to enter this contest, we will also give away 20 $20 gift certificates! What's that?? That's right, 20 $20 Gift Certificates!!!

Contest will run from now until Monday, October 5, 2009 at 11:59 pm. The winner(s) will be announced on Tuesday, October 6th.

There are several ways to enter, but you must be a follower of this blog to be entered (it gets you an entry too-see #1.)

1-Become a follower of this blog or let us know you already are.
2-Become a follower on Twitter (mollylougifts) or let us know you already are.
3-Blog about this giveaway extravaganza on your blog and link it back to us.
4-Tweet about this giveaway with a tweet that links us to it (@mollylougifts)
5-Tell us a funny little something...we like anything and just really love to laugh.

For extra entries, you can do these easy peasy things to rack up the entries:
6-Refer a friend. For every new friend you get to follow us on Twitter or the blog, you'll receive an extra entry for each referral. .
7-Become a follower of the Good Will Grace blog (goodwillgrace.blogspot.com). We promise that new posts are being worked on! You can also follow us on twitter (@goodwillgrace). Each of those followings will earn you an entry.
8-For every $10 you spend in our shop, you get an entry. For example, spend $50 at Molly Lou Gifts on fun and unique holiday gifts, get 5 extra entries.
9-Purchase one of our new Kara Rosenberry Co. "Think Pink" or "Love and Hope" folded note sets and receive 5 extra entries. We are donating 10% of the sale of each of these sets to Spirit Jump (and don't forget we are donating to our dear friend Post Smith's quest for the Humane Society-see top left for more information.)

Whew! That is nine ways to enter and some will earn you more than one entry. Random.org will make it easy for us by choosing the winner and we will let you know the winning number and display the winning entry. Help spread the word!

Have a great day. Hope you all had great weekends.

Snapshot Saturday~Congratulations and FIOF Winners!!!

This week's Snapshot Saturday is a great, BIG shoutout to Molly Lou Sister Lindsey!

A year ago in August, my sister started Weight Watchers and has lost over 60 lbs. and this week will be recognized at her meeting for meeting and maintaining her lifetime goal weight. She achieved her goal weight a month ago (and has lost more since.) On the WW plan, you must maintain for a month, then you receive your Lifetime Award (and no longer have to pay.)

This is such a HUGE accomplishment. I am so proud of her and admire what she has done. She jumped in to this, made the committment and has worked so hard to achieve this goal.

CONGRATULATIONS SWEET BABY LINDS! We are so, so, so proud of you!

(This picture was taken by my aunt when she was here a few weeks ago to show off my sister and her husband's loft. It is the most recent picture of her that I have.)

Send us your Snapshot Saturday submission. Email us and include a .jpg picture and a brief description on the pic. We love hearwarming, funny, interesting, fun, adorable, cute, slightly bizarre, breathtaking, etc. pictures!

_____________________________________________

Now, on to Figure It Out Friday winners! Thanks to all who entered. This week was a television and movie mix up!

The answers are

1. "The Office"

2. The Godfather

3. "Friends"

4. As Good As It Gets

This week's QUEEN is Carla C. and the PRINCESS is Gina from Namaste By Day! YAY to the winners and welcome to the royal court of MLG FIOF Girls! Email us and we will get you hooked up with your royal winnings.

PS-the 200th GIVEAWAY post is coming tomorrow! You don't want to miss it!

Figure It Out Friday~Mix it Up!

Happy weekend friends! Hope you all have fabulous weekends and I look forward to hearing all about them next week.It's back folks...that day of the week that we have all come to love-FIGURE IT OUT FRIDAY!!!

As always, below are quotes that you try to place with the appropriate movie (1/3 from telelvision, 2/4 movie). Email me your answers to each line.

There will be a QUEEN and PRINCESS crowned this week. You have until TONIGHT night at 11:59 pm to send in your submissions to be a part of the royal court. Winners will be chosen on Saturday.

We are getting quite the line up of ladies. You know you want to win and have the title of QUEEN and the fabulous MLG prize you receive! The PRINCESS is chosen randomly from all participants. Don't know all the answers? It's fine...leave us a witty comment and you might win or answer what you do know!

Here is this week's dose:

1. "Phyllis is like our Mrs. Butterworth. Kind of a less urban Aunt Jemima."

2. "I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse..."

3. "Oh, my God, you can do a duet of 'Ebony and Ivory' all by yourself."

4. "When you first entered the restaurant, I thought you were handsome... and then, of course, you spoke."

Ready, Set, GO!! Have a great weekend!

PS-Did you see our new "Think Pink" and "Love and Hope" Breast Cancer awareness notes? They are fantastic and Molly Lou Gifts is giving 10% of each sale of these cards to Spirit Jump.

Think Pink~Love and Hope

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many of us have lost someone we know and love to Breast Cancer or have a brave soul in our lives currently battling this disease. Our dear friend, Kara Rosenberry Co. has designed something to highlight Breast Cancer awareness and Molly Lou Gifts is thrilled to add this to our collection.

These can also be personalized with a different saying or quote on the front, or have a note added on the back to honor someone you know who is fighting Breast Cancer or to honor someone who has lost their fight to this disease. We are happy to do the custom printing free of charge if that is something you want to do!

The design is a delicate pink ribbon on white card stock with dove gray French Script font.There are two designs "Think Pink" and "Love and Hope."

They are perfect for writing a lovely thinking of you note to a friend, a thank you note, or to use as a greeting card and can and should be used year round. This note set is sold in sets of 8 and come neatly packaged in a clear sleeve with coordinating ribbon~perfect for gift giving.

Throughout the rest of this month & all of October, Molly Lou Gifts will donate 10% of each sale from our "Think Pink" or "Love and Hope" Notes to Spirit Jump, a wonderful cause dedicated to lifting cancer fighters spirits. Help us support this great charity.

Show your support! Thanks Kara for designing these delicate and fabulous notes!

Haphazard Thursday

It's that time of the week that everyone loves...time for me to rid some of the randomness swirling around my head.

1-Watched Cougartown last night...pretty much exactly what I predicted a few months ago. I feel slightly dumber after zoning out for the half hour while I watched it. (And by using slightly, I was being NICE.)

2-Funny minism take 1: We had a dinner guest last night and when we were at the grocery store getting a few things, Mini #1 said he wanted an apple pie. They have been studying the letter A this week in school and clearly apples have come many times and they did an apple tasting set of activities yesterday.

We get the pie and after dinner, I am getting the pie and vanilla icecream ready for everyone. Mini #1 proceeds to eat all of his icecream and doesn't touch the pie. I say to him "Aren't you going to eat the apple pie. You chose this for tonight."

Mini #1: "I don't like apple pie. Can I have some more icecream?"

Me: "You chose the apple pie. You love apples and you have had the pie before and now why won't you eat any of it."

Mini: "I just wanted the icecream and I could have the icecream if we got the apple pie."

VERY SMART my dear!!!

3-Funny minism take 2: Funny interaction between Mini #1 and I last night when fighting off the bedtime. Every few weeks or so, he gives me one night of stubborn behavior and pulls out all the stops. He wanted to sleep in my bed and this was a no go. This took place after the third time we had gone up to bed and I was in the kitchen cleaning up.

(comes downstairs crying-no tears) Mini 1: "I had a bad dream."

Me: "No you didn't. You didn't go to sleep."

Mini #1: (abruptly stops crying): "Oh."

Told you he was smart. An A for effort my boy!

4-Next week is Mr. Molly Lou's last week on this project. Starting on October 5, he will be on a new project, a government nuclear power plant. This is a great job and position for him, but it means he will be gone each week. We have done this bit before, but have become so accustomed to "normal" life and have added another mini in to the mix that I am in this funk about it.

5-This Mackenzie Phillips ordeal. Between naps and distracting Mini #1, I actually saw some of that interview on Oprah and of course, I turned to my trusty People.com to help with extra details and information. All I can say about this is WOW, WOW, EWWWWWWWWWW, WTF, GROSS, and WOW!

6-200th post giveaway coming soon! Just a few short posts left. I can't wait and we are looking for your help in what we should do for the giveaway and contest! Let us know your creative ideas. Also, use code fallfun to save 15% off your total purchase from Molly Lou Gifts.

Have a great day. FIOF coming tomorrow!

Worthwhile Wednesday~Bring on Fall

Happy first full day of fall! Lots of fall talk around the blogs lately. We had a taste of fall and it is supposed to be 84 today, so fall-like. I can still sip my pumpkin coffee. You know this is the lovely day of the week where you indulge me in looking at new products or special highlighted items that are at the lovely Molly Lou Gifts. :)

We have added some new products over the past few days. Be sure to visit our Halloween 2009 page as well as the Holiday 2009 page for new additions. I am in love with this adorable Halloween personalized pail. We have six designs for you to choose from. Personalization and font are up to you as well as color changes should you desire.

These personalized buckets would make great gifts...add some spooktacular treats, homemade treats,crafts, candles, etc. We now have 2 sizes, small and large (as shown)! Also just added, black canvas personalized treat bags.

While talking about fall, check out these adorable shirts. Choose from candy corn, bat, spider, witch hat, and black cat. We added some new shirt colors and designs as well and sizes range from 3-6 months to 12. I also just added a turkey shirt too...gobble gobble.

Not just Halloween, look at these FABULOUS argyle shirts...have the best dressed kid in town. I can't wait for the minis to sport these (I know that Mr. Molly Lou will get his eye rolling quota for the year with this one!)

Give your children, godson/daughter, niece, nephew, cousin, grandchildren, or friend an adorable and fun personalized fall surprise!
Send a note to a friend or loved one this fall season with these personalized orange blossom cards or mod dots card sporting a fall color scheme. We have fall and Halloween party invitations.

Use code fallfun to save 15% off your purchase from Molly Lou Gifts.

We will gladly wrap items and ship to your recipient with a handwritten note from you.

Have you seen all of our Halloween party invitations??? It makes me want to throw a spookfest just to have the party!

PS-200th post giveaway coming soon! We want your creative and fun ideas for this giveaway contest!

Sam No. 391

Some of you know that we have about 390 creatures, stuffed animals, imaginary friends and imaginary things named "Sam." There is Sam, the imaginary friend that walked back from PA, Sam the stone frog, clay turtle, stuffed turtle, dog, spider, bee, ant, imaginary dinosaur, another imaginary friend named Sam (he only stayed an afternoon though), imaginary cat, wooden elephant, imaginary bird, stuffed fish, wooden train, cat drawing, imaginary zebra, imaginary mouse, fly, ladybug, snake, gila monster, rock...oh, I'm exhausted just thinking about them and trying to remember all of the "Sams" that have floated through my life.

Well, welcome Sam Number 391. I am just going to have call them by number from now on. Talk about an identity crisis!

We have jumped back in to the fish pond and have welcomed a blue Betta fish in to our home. Mini #1 was adament that his new pet be named Sam and wouldn't even entertain other suggestions. Clearly we didn't have much luck when we veered from our name pattern with our beloved Dorothy, the goldfish.

Wish us luck with the newest member of the Molly Lou family...there are sure to be some good Mini #1 stories with this second try at being a pet owner.

Pity Party Time...

Ever have a moment or two where you just have to throw yourself a little pity party? (Even if you haven't, I so appreciate your nodding along so that I don't feel completely ridiculous.)

Well, that was me earlier tonight. I just broke down, sent out a quick party invitation, got a super fast RSVP from myself and then the PITY PARTY kicked off in full swing. I didn't even have time to set up decorations and get out the good snacks, it just hit me.

You name it, I was crying over it. Still upset about that pet goldfish that you lost 15 years ago? I probably shed a tear over it. The fact that there was no chocolate in the house did not help ease this process. It was as if the flood gates opened and there was no damming it up.

Then, I tried to pull myself together and just checked out the puffy eyes that areinviting the pity party back. Sometimes it just feels so good to cry.

UGH!!! I mean, tomorrow is a new day. :)

**Mr. Molly Lou was not home. If he had been, he probably would have run away as fast as he could and began researching various mental facilities for me.

In My Previous Life...

I have mentioned once or twice that I am a dork. I feel I should be in a support group; "Hi, my name is Molly Lou and I am a dork."

I love, love, love all awards shows. I get so excited on award nights and have my own little award party.The guest list is very selective and we often feature special themed food or special handmade decorations. (Molly Lou sister-in-law, brother-in-law, and his girlfriend were over for dinner last night since MLSIL was visiting, so I cut the cheesy decorations to avoid abuse from those that just aren't cool enough to see the beauty and coolness in awards shows.)Usually Mr. Molly Lou gets invited, but if he gets too lippy and makes too many snarky comments, his invitation can revoked.

Last night was the Emmy's. YAY! I love the Emmy's as this awards show combines my love for television, celebrities, AND beautiful clothes. (I do love the Academy Awards, but as the years pass I realize that I really need to get out more and these children of mine really do cramp my style as I usually see one of the movies that is nominated and only know any other information about the movies from People magazine or other fine blogs.)

Part of me truly believes that in my previous life I was a famous and beautiful celebrity. I have such vivid images of me walking the red carpet, everyone screaming my name and me flashing that famous smile, then accepting my award for Best Actress and discussing my love for the role that brought me this honor and thanking all those who helped me get all I have accomplished. Of course, I would be on the best dressed lists. Everyone would be talking about my fabulous fashion sense and how I am just such an amazing person and mother. Of course, during interviews, photo shoots, and while in public, my children would be perfectly behaved and just as adorable as they really are. Kate Spade would be throwing things at me to use.

Snap back! Sorry about that. I got off in dreamland for a brief stop. I have a newfound love for Doogie Howser, MD. That guy was a great host and just too darn cute. What would an awards show be without a few "what in the hay is she/he wearing" or "what was that speech all about" moments?

Hope you all had great weekends. Have a great day!

FIOF Television Event Winners!!!

Happy Sunday all! It is a rainy day here at the Molly Lou home and I am praying that Mini #2 will sleep well and LONG and that Mr. Molly Lou and Mini #1 will take their sweet time running some errands and really enjoy some time together. This will allow me to get a few things done and hopefully read some.

Thanks to all who entered the Figure It Out Friday Television Event.

The answer to this week's quotes are:

1. "Sex and the City"

2. "Will & Grace"

3. "The Cosby Show"

4. "Friends"

5. "The Golden Girls"

Seriously, "Friends" is the best show of all time. I am just putting that out there so we are all clear on that. Mr. Molly Lou would argue that "The Cosby Show" and "Golden Girls" are tied for the greatest with "Friends" being a close second. (I know what you all are thinking...Mr. Molly Lou loves "The Golden Girls???" The answer is yes, yes he does. In college, I once caught him in my dorm room alone watching a marathon on Lifetime. Let's try to keep that between us though.)

Now, it's time to announce the winners and newest members of the MLG Royal Court. This is really a resume builder!

The QUEEN is

Stacy Periot

and the PRINCESS is

Amber

Congratulations! Girls, email me and we will get you all set up! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Have suggestions for future Figure It Out Friday themes, quotes, or just plain suggestions. Send them our way. We want to hear about it.

Snapshot Saturday~Hanging with the Birds!

Happy Weekend all! This week's snapshot features Mini #2 wanthing to hang with the geese. We were at the park last week and she LOVED the geese. She was mesmerized, then very determined to be their new BFF. She took off towards them and would have gone all the way had I not pulled her back. She got pretty close and they didn't seem to mind her at all. Trust me, they would have minded when she got a hold of their feathers.

Can't believe this precious one will be 1 in just over a week!

Can't wait to catch up on Monday. Enjoy your weekend. GO TIGERS!!!

Figure It Out Friday~Television Shows

Happy Friday! For this week's Figure It Out Friday, I thought we would do television show quotes. Crazy, I know.

This is kind of an indirect homage to my grandmother. She always joked that the TV was her boyfriend and you could hear her television 100 miles away.

Since this week is just crazy, I also thought we would up the ante on the prize! How about a $10 gift certificate and stationery set! You know you want the prize, but mostly you just want to be entered in to our Royal Court. I will name a QUEEN this week and also a PRINCESS! The princess this week will be picked from ALL who enter. Even if you don't know all the answers or any at all, but want to take a guess, have some fun or leave something incredibly witty, enter and you might just be named PRINCESS!

You just have to name the show, but if you want to be an overachiever, take a shot at the character! As a hint, all of these quotes from fabulous shows are no longer on the air. Sigh. Here goes:

1. "Oh my God, she's fashion road-kill."

2. "My love for you is like a scar. Ugly, but permanent."

3. "But you've always wanted to be a lawyer, you've talked about nothing else!"

"I've changed my mind."

"CHANGE IT BACK! After all that money we sent sending you to Princeton? ______, you owe us 79,648 dollars and 22 cents, and I want my money NOW!"

4. "Okay, buddy-boy. Here it is: You hide my clothes, I'm wearing everything you own. "

5. "You'll have to excuse my mother. She suffered a slight stroke a few years ago which rendered her totally annoying. "


I'm adding comment moderation just for today. We had some cheater, cheater, pumpkin eaters. You can either leave your answers or wittiness as a comment or email me.

Happy Weekend! Mr. Molly Lou and I are headed with a bunch of friends to the Clemson vs. Boston College game. GO TIGERS!!!

Ready. Set. GO!

Want to Win MLG Stuff???

I have so loved getting to know the FABULOUS Lisa behind Fantabulously Frugal. She is so fun and such a great person.

We have teamed up to help our mutual friend, Post Smith. She is hosting a giveaway for not one, but TWO Molly Lou Gifts gift certificates. We will also be working together on an MLG product of the week available at a special price only on the FF site.

The first winner will receive a $20 gift certificate and the second winner will receive a $10 gift certificate. The second winner will be picked only from Twitter.

Head over to the post for all the details on this contest and an exclusive discount code that you can only find on FF. Thanks so much for doing this, Lisa and for your kind words about Molly Lou Gifts. You Rock!

Get entering and tweeting. Contest ends September 24, 2009.

Haphazard Thursday

Good morning all! Getting back in to routine and filtering all the random things going on in my head.

1-I am over "country" living. I just don't think I can do it anymore. You know how hesitant I was about this move 20-25 minutes from a Target. (I still get choked up over this and go in to a depression when I need to go to the store and only have eyes for the bullseye.) First, there was the mouse that squatted at our house when we were away for Labor Day, then when we arrived home on Tuesday, Mr. Molly Lou found another visitor outside. I looked at the window while cleaning the dishes and there is Mr. Molly Lou with a shovel and a SNAKE!!!!! Ewwwww...it was very small, but ewwwwwwwww! I started hypervenilating a little and Mini #1 was concerned on why his mother was convulsing on the floor. Upon finding out what Daddy was visiting with, he wanted to go outside and I calmly told him that daddy already set the little guy free. I have actually been surprised that I haven't seen one yet. Let's pray that word got around to the other little rodents around town that the Molly Lou family doesn't play around and they need to take residence somewhere else.

2-TV! I can't wait for next week. A few shows have already started, but next week is the real deal! Grey's Anatomy, Brothers & Sisters, Desperate Housewives, Oh My! There are many more and it is truly sad that I am this excited...those minis better not give me any bedtime trouble!

3-Want to win something from Molly Lou Gifts? Head over to Gifted Giveaways! We are giving away one of our personalized shirts of choice. We have so many designs, color options, font options, and more! Sizes range from 3-6 months to youth 12! I just added some new designs-have you seen the monkey, holiday tree, dragonfly, or crown yet? Enter by midnight tonight!

4-Mini #1 has his first picture day at school today! My little boy is growing up. He was adament on things he did NOT want to wear and we have been practicing his "nice smile." All of his smiles are sweet, but he has the cheesy, squinched up face smile that doesn't bode well for posed pictures. We don't often do many posed pictures, but let's hope he cooperates for picture day. If they are taking time away from his play time, this might be the shortest photography session ever.

5-We are only 8 posts away from the big 200! That is a whole lot of randomness. I think that calls for a great giveaway to celebrate this occassion. Hmmm...what shall it be? Stay tuned for the BIG day!

6-Yesterday I failed to give a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY shout out to my dear Molly Lou sister! I know she is a blog lurcher, so we will just spread the birthday cheer out a little...Happy, Happy Birthday dear sister. We hope you had a great day. (Mini #1 is definitely going to be a baker...you should have seen the birthday cake we made and he decorated for his sweet aunt.

Have a great day!

Worthwhile Wednesday~Whale of a Time & Thank you!

Good morning Girls! Hope you're all doing well and having a great week. We arrived back last night from Illinois. The services for my grandmother were lovely and so many people came to talk and share stories. What an amazing woman. I know I will struggle with this for a long time, but have happy thoughts of what she might be doing and who she is with. :)

Thank you, thank you, thank you again for everyone's thoughts, prayers, kind words, emails, and cards. You all are so awesome...I so appreciate it all.

If I missed anything big, please let me know. I feel so out of the loop and look forward to making my way back. It's amazing how the world keeps moving and I feel like I have been in this bubble for over a week. Gossip, news, births, weddings, engagements, giveaways, funny happenings, contests, jobs, headlines, etc. fill me in!!!

For this week's Worthwhile Wednesday this week, we are having a whale of a time! Aren't whales fun!?!?! Think Vineyard Vines, preppy, fun, and perfect for boys and girls! We haveso many adorable whale themed items at Molly Lou Gifts. Mini #2's birthday is in just 12 days!!! I can't believe that my dear, sweet, adorable little girl will be 1...how time flies! For her birthday party celebration, we are having a whale theme! The party will be a "Whale of a Time!"

In planning her party, I started with this adorable invitation only with the pink whale (just wanted to show this one off too)! Too cute right...we have it for parties and showers there are also coordinating notecards that can be personalized to your liking like the one shown above!

Mini #1 already has this personalized whale shirt so he can fit right in with the theme of sister's party. He loves it and I have given this shirt as gifts and get so many compliments on it. (Speaking of shirts, I have just added some adorable NEW designs to the personalized clothing page!)

We also have coordinating personalized buckets and pails with this whale design. You can change colors to better fit your party's colors.

For her thank you notes, you know I love this adorable stationery set. This is the Style your Stationery set and this whale in green is one of the many graphics, colors, and fonts you can choose. It's not birthday related, but Bitsy Creations also has a whale photo birth announcement that is just adorable.

How about whale plates, bowls, and platemats! How cute are these? If you're having a smaller party, you could order for the guests to eat on and then take home. Solves your need for favors(personalized at that) and coordinating party themed plates!


I ordered this decal with Mini #2's name and whale for a bucket that I am going to put drinks in. After the party, I will use the personalized bucket in her room for toys, etc. Great centerpiece that can be used over and over again. You can choose from over 20 colors and then add it to a galvanized or colored bucket to match the party decor. As mentioned earlier, we also have matching personlized buckets with the whale design from our clothing. Those would be perfect to put utensils, or favors in at the party too!

Not just for children, I want the whale notes for myself, add a whale bucket with your family name to something at your beach house. So many options, check out our shop for new additions and everything holiday.

Use code fallfun for an additional 15% off your purchase from us. Have a great day!

Figure It Out Friday Winners!

Thanks to all that participated in this week's Figure It Out Friday! We are getting quite the following and love that you all are out there and love these trivia games too!!! :)

The answers to this week's movie quotes are

1. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
2. Back To The Future
3. Grease
4. Little Miss Sunshine
5. Tommy Boy

The newest members of the ROYAL COURT are

Amy Croley as QUEEN

and

Shaina from Post Smith as PRINCESS

YAY!!! Congratulations to the winners...welcome to the royal family! Email me and we will set you up with your lovely winnings and crowns!

Stay tuned for this Friday's newest installment.

Snapshot Saturday~Where were you?

This week's "Snapshot Saturday" features a photograph that I have never seen. While I thought many times of 9/11 and this 8th anniversary, I didn't take the time to sit and write about it. I could not let this time go by without mentioning it. My heart aches for so many reasons these days and I will forever be changed from those senseless acts of terrorism that deeply affected this wonderful country.

My sister and I travelled to New York City just 6 months after 9/11. Seeing Ground Zero and looking through the powerful exhibits at St. Paul's Chapel will be images and memories that will always remain with me.

(Thanks to nymag.com for the picture)

These are shoes left by people that were fleeing from the buildings that were late hung on tree branches. Take a moment to look at everying that appears in this picture.

Thank you to all the heroes from this day. My prayers and thoughts are still with all of those people that lost loved ones this day.

Send us your "Snapshot Saturday" submission to be featured on our site. Email a brief description of your photo and send the photo as a .jpg file. We look forward to seeing all of your photos and hearing your stories.

Figure It Out Friday

Happy weekend friends! Hope you all have fabulous weekends and I look forward to hearing all about them next week.It's back folks...that day of the week that we have all come to love-FIGURE IT OUT FRIDAY!!!

As always, below are quotes that you try to place with the appropriate movie (they are all movies this week). Email me your answers to each line. Correct answerers will be put in a hat and randomly selected on Sunday.

There will be a QUEEN and PRINCESS crowned this week. You have until tomorrow night at 11:59 pm to send in your submissions to be a part of they royal court. We are getting quite the line up of ladies. You know you want to win and have the title of QUEEN and the fabulous MLG prize you receive!

Here is this week's dose:

1. "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

2. "Unfortunately, no. It requires something with a little more kick . . . plutonium!"

3. "Men are rats. Listen to me, they're fleas on rats. Worse than that, they're amoebas on fleas on rats."

4. "Oh my God, I'm getting pulled over. Everyone, just... pretend to be normal. "

5. "Let's say I go into a guy's office, let's say he's even remotely interested in buying something. Well then I get all excited. I'm like Jojo the idiot circus boy with a pretty new pet. "

Ready, Set, GO!!!

Haphazard Thursday

It's that time of week again...anyone else have so much randomness going on in their head?

1-Thanks so much for the kind words of support about my lovely Dorothy. My grandmother was such a fantastic, loving, and inspiring woman and I love her so much. It has been a emotionally draining time full of so many plans and arrangements. It's fun to also learn new stories that even after all these years. We are all flying home to Illinois on Saturday and then will have a visitation and funeral on Sunday and Monday. Thank you again for everything....you all are great friends.

2-I didn't get to announce the winner of the Holiday Preview Contest!!!! Let's get right to it! The winner of the Molly Lou Gifts gift certificate is Christina from Christina's Favorite Things. Congratulations!

Email me and we will get you all set up. Thanks to all who participated-make sure to visit our Holiday 2009 page as we have added a few more things to get you feeling festive!

3-I set up a new discount code...let's celebrate fall! Use code fallfun at checkout to save 15% off your total purchase!

Thanks again for all of your support. Have a great day.

Meet the Original Dorothy

You know that we had our beloved Dorothy, the goldfish in the Molly Lou house. He was so cute swimming around his tank, but I would like to introduce you to the original Dorothy.

Dorothy was born in 1924 on a small farm in Illinois. Her mother died when she was just six months old from typhoid fever and she was raised by her father on this farm where she lived until she was a young woman and moved to the "big city."

Dorothy's grandparents really helped raise her as did two aunts and an uncle. Talk about supportive extended family. Her stepmother, whom her father married when she was 12 was a wonderful and loving woman.

Dorothy has a brother and a sister, 16 and 19 years younger than she. She loved them so much and had such a close relationship with them.

Dorothy had the same best friend from the time she was 8 years old and did everything with this woman including living across the street from each other in small condos after they sold their homes later in life. They would gossip about neighbors from Dorothy's kitchen table over coffee and breakfast in the mornings.

Dorothy's first job was in the OPA rations office during World War II.

Dorothy and her best friend lived in John Deere's home before they married and lived a glamorous life and one that was very different from the life on the farm.

Dorothy was the mother to two beautiful children, a boy and a girl. Her husband died in 1965 unexpectedly and she raised two children alone. She was so strong and did such a wonderful job.

Dorothy was a teacher and eventually retired from John Deere Co. corporate office as a legal secretary in 1982.

Dorothy was a traveler and has been all over this world and has stories from each place.

Dorothy was a fast driver and even in to her 80's was she a "speed demon" on the road.

Dorothy was funny, sensitive, honest, loving, and so fun to be with. One never quite knew what she would say or do when you were in her company.

Dorothy was my dear, sweet grandmother who passed away last night at the age of 85. She waited for her entire family to arrive and died just minutes after my sister and her sister arrived. I love this woman so much and know that the world has lost a very special woman. I am so fortunate and blessed that my children were able to be with this woman, even for such a short time.

For years, she yearned to see her mother who she never got to know and to be reunited with her husband, my grandfather. Recently, she would have vivid dreams of things she would do with my grandfather and I so hope she is loving being reunited with these people.

Squatter Found

You know the Molly Lou family went away for the Labor Day weekend. I am happy to report that everyone in the family, including parents, sister, brother-in-law, children, Mr. Molly Lou and myself all came back alive (last week I mentioned that there was a slight possibility that this wouldn't happen) and the Tigers won, so overall the weekend was a success.

When we got home, we realized that an unwelcome visitor or squatter decided to take advantage of an empty home and celebrate the holiday weekend in style. Who or what might this unwelcome guest be???

A MOUSE!!!!

First two responses...

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKK!

and then

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWW!

We never saw the mouse, but it did leave us little presents in two cabinents and a drawer (all three connect) letting us know of his visit. You know I was freaking out and totally grossed out. I couldn't figure out how this could happen. I started whining about how clean I keep this place and how could this happen. Mr. Molly Lou, the calm, anti-OCD one took a more thorough look and believes he knows how it came in (thanks a lot "interesting idiot" who lived here before and did a half-bum fix.)

A trip to buy caulk, Decon, and other various rodent repellent to put under the house makes me feel a little better. It still creeps me out and yes, I did bust out copious amounts of bleach after the children went to bed.

Pray for me that this is the end of our little squatter***.

Hope you all had a great holiday weekend. Can't wait to catch up!

***Mr. Molly Lou found the little squatter floating in the swimming pool. Coincidence or karma????? Let's just hope that there aren't any other little rodent babies or family members lurching around.

Happy Day!

HAPPY LABOR DAY FRIENDS!!!

Hope your holiday weekend and day are fabulous. Can't wait to hear all about it tomorrow!!!

Figure It Out Friday~Holiday Weekend Edition WINNERS!

Happy Weekend Friends! Hope you're Labor Day weekends are oh so fun and relaxing. The Molly Lou family is enjoying being together and away for the weekend.

This week's Figure It Out Friday trivia all came from one movie. It was not a trick, just a fun way to start the holiday weekend and pay tribute to my favorite movie. Seriously, this movie is so fantastic and well done. I could watch it over and over again (as I have many times.)

All of this week's quotes came from When Harry Met Sally!

Thanks to all who entered. This week's Royal Court inductees are:

Katie Perkinson as QUEEN

and

Deanna Hurley as PRINCESS!

All hail the Queen and Princess! Girls, email me for your winning prize. Stay tuned...next week won't be nearly as easy!

Happy Labor Day!

Snapshot Saturday~Thanks Shellback!

I am loving this week's Snapshot Saturday entry. Thanks so much to Jen from Peachykings for sending us this photo...perfect for this holiday weekend too.

Here is what Jen sent us about this fantastic photo: "This picture was taken in South Africa by my Hubby when he was on deployment. It is not very often that the carriers "go over" the equator to South Africa. He got to become a "shellback" (a name they give all those Navy guys that have crossed over the equator). Definitely an interesting story--they have to do all kinds of activities and have a special ceremony at the end (google shellback for more info). The closest thing I can equate it to is "initiation" into a sorority. Besides all the fun of becoming a "shellback", I love to see the F-18 jets! There's something about their sound of freedom that when passing by, I can only be proud to be an American."

It certainly makes me proud to be an American. Thanks for all your hardwork Mr. Peachy-King! Thanks again Jen for sending this in.

Happy Labor Day weekend!

Figure It Out Friday~Holiday Weekend Edition

Happy holiday weekend friends! Hope you all have fabulous weekends and I look forward to hearing all about them next week.

It's back folks...that day of the week that we have all come to love-FIGURE IT OUT FRIDAY!!! As always, below are quotes that you try to place with the appropriate movie (they are all movies this week). Email me your answers to each line. Correct answerers will be put in a hat and randomly selected on Sunday.

There will be a QUEEN and PRINCESS crowned this week. You have until tomorrow night at 11:59 pm to send in your submissions to be a part of they royal court. We are getting quite the line up of ladies. You know you want to win and have the title of QUEEN and the fabulous MLG prize you receive!

Here is this week's dose:

1. "How much worse can it get than finishing dinner, having him reach over, pull a hair out of my head and start flossing with it at the table?"

2. "Oh, but "baby fish mouth" is sweeping the nation? I hear them talking."

3. "Restaurants are to people in the 80's what theatres were to people in the 60's. I read it in a magazine."

4. "Hey I didn't know that they had food in Ethiopia? This will be a quick meal. I'll order two empty plates and we can leave." Yeah, nothing from her not even a smile."

5. "When I buy a new book, I read the last page first. That way, in case I die before I finish, I know how it ends."

Ready, Set GO!!!!!

Haphazard Thursday

Welcome to the randomness that flows from my head each Thursday!

1: Tomorrow the Molly Lou family, Molly Lou parents, Molly Lou sister and Molly Lou brother-in-law are packing it up and heading to the mountains of TN for the holiday weekend. Pray that we all return safely as sometimes weekends stuck together in a hotel suite can get dangerous.

2: I love Pumpkin Spice lattes from Starbucks. I mean, I LOVE them. Catch me on the right (or wrong) day and I would trade my husband for a few of them. I have an addiction and I also know that the most fabulous time of the year is upon us when the dear folks at Starbucks release this little slice of heaven back into the world. I need one. NOW. Ever since Mr. Molly Lou convinced me to move to the "country" there isn't a Starbucks for 20 min. This is the kind of thing that gets people admitted to mental facilities.

3: I signed up to be Mini #1's "Room Mom" for his preschool class. I used to teach, but the schools that I taught in, I didn't exactly have parents knocking down the doors to be "room mom" or help. Let's just say that it is more work than I thought and have already had my first assignment.

4: Did you see the Holiday Preview yesterday on Worthwhile Wednesday? Missed it? Click here to see it. There is a giveaway and a gift with purchase...WOW! I know you are excited now. Giveaway ends next Tuesday, September 8th!

5: I have been having these small thoughts lately on what is happening to my life. Yesterday, while outside playing Mini #1 runs up to me to give me what I thought was a hug. How sweet! Not so much-the child just wanted to wipe his snot on my arm and then run back to the sandbox. How lovely!! Did I freak out? Not in the least.

Have a great day! Go enter the giveaway and don't forget to check out Good Will Grace-love the story and check out yesterday's Lessons in Lyrics.

Worthwhile Wednesday~Holiday Preview

Happy Wednesday! We thought we would offer a holiday preview for all of you today as you know that Worthwhile Wednesday is our day to shamelessly plug Molly Lou Gifts (thanks for humoring us). There might also be a special discount and giveaway at the end too. I know some of you are starting to feel the fall-like air outside and before you know it, the holidays are here!!! I love the fall and holidays seasons so much! I get so excited just thinking about it.

We have worked hard to get our Holiday 2009 collection up. We have such FABULOUS greeting cards, photo cards, party invitations, notes, personalized pails, bag tags, personalized plates and tableware, holiday clothing, toys, holiday accessories, and more! It really is one stop shopping at Molly Lou Gifts for the best and most unique holiday gifts, cards, and accessories.

How much do you LOVE this personalized pail. You can choose the personalized greeting or choose one that we have added, pail color, and font. These are perfect for anyone and can really create a fabulous and inexpensive gift. Bake some cookies or add some coffee or chocolates and put in this adorable pail and voila! Perfect Gift. Put some teacher/classroom wishlist items or a gift card in the personalized bucket for your child's teacher. Wrap a gift in tissue paper and put in the pail and you have an reusable and very festive gift bag. The pail can be used as holiday decorations in your home and would make great centerpieces for your holiday table or buffet. Think hostess gifts for all those holiday parties you will be attending.

The holidays are the perfect time to reconnect with friends and family and fill them in on all of the year's happenings with a festive message. We have blank, personalized greeting cards, and photo greeting cards. I have no idea which ones the Molly Lou family will choose and feel pretty sure that I might choose a few different designs to send out this year. There are so many options to choose from. Be sure to take a look at them all. The lovely note sets from Kara Rosenberry are also perfect hostess gifts. They can be used as holiday thank you notes, greeting cards, gift tags, and more. Give the warmest wishes or for that preppy friend and hostess, give a set of the I'm dreaming of a pink Christmas notes.

I love this Christmas Advent calendar. The stickers are reusable and this is a perfect way to get all involved with the holiday festivities and events. Great gift idea to send to a little one across the miles.

Serve your meals and holiday dinner parties on your own set of personalized tableware. We have plates, platters, tray, and more in a variety of festive patterns. Don't forget to get a personalized Cookies for Santa plate too. The best part about our plates is that they won't break and are dishwasher safe. A platter is also a great hostess gift or give a set of plates and platter as a gift to a special couple or family.

We love our new bag tags. They are so cute and so affordable. They make a great little gift or surprise for a friend. They also make gift tags. Put a personalized bag tag on your holiday present giving the recipient a unique gift tag and extra present. Get your child's teacher, dance/gymnastics instructor, babysitter a personalized bag tag. For every $30 you spend in our shop, you get a FREE personalized bag tag of your choice. This offer ends on Tuesday, September 8th.

Giveaway Time: We are so excited about our new holiday items and line that we want you to get excited too! We are giving a $20.00 Molly Lou Gifts gift certificate to a lucky winner. The contest runs from now until Tuesday, September 8th with the winner announced on Wednesday, September 9th. There are several ways to enter. Please leave a separate comment for each entry except for thos making a purchase. I will add your extra entries in to the system after your purchase is made.

1. Become a follower of Molly Lou Gifts or let me know you are one AND let me know what your favorite holiday item(s) are from our site.

2. Tweet about this giveaway. You may do this once a day. Don't forget to leave a comment each time you tweet.

3. Blog about this merry giveaway and link it back in your comment.

4. Make a purchase from Molly Lou Gifts. For every $5 you spend, you receive 5 entries. A $50 purchase will get you 50 entries. WOW!

This is a great way to jump start your holiday shopping. We have so much to offer this season...be sure to check out the adorable personalized holiday clothing too.

Have a great day and get entering.

Snarky

If you look up the definition of snarky in the dictionary today, you would find a big picture of Mini #1.

Exhibit A: He is going to be "studying" the letter M in school this week, so yesterday I started talking about it. We were pointing out and thinking of words that start with M. This morning at breakfast, I was talking about it again. We rattled off half a dozen "M" words. Then, he says

"Mom needs more money." He was so proud of himself that he made an M sentence. Enter his 3 year old laughter.

-Be oh so impressed at how smart he is or want to _______________?

As we are getting up from breakfast and getting ready for school, he says "Mom makes Mini #2* messy when she eats breakfast."

He looks up and says "I did it again." So flippin' proud of himself again.

Exhibit B: He comes running down the stairs this morning shortly after getting up (he was supposed to be up there getting his clothes) and says "This is so cool. I made a bubble with my nose."

Me: "What?"

Mini: "Oh no. It's gone. Now, that is funny."

Snarky, I tell you. If this is what he is like at 3, what will 13 be like. Oh, dear me. I am sure that I will not survive.

PS-This is just funny. My friend sent us a box of hand me down clothes and one was an Adidas jacket. We were looking at them and I said, when you wear this you can look like David Beckham. Mini #1 says "Who's Daddy Beckham?" Oh, if only that could be true! :)

*Mini #2's name happens to start with M. He doesn't go around referring to his sister as Mini #2 in normal conversation.