GroveGals

Minnie Blog Sale-Summer State of Mind

2012-02-12T18:24:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was my last post, then the crud hit. That would be tonsilitis for Baby C no doubt caused by the 70 degree temps one day and the 30 degree temps the next! He is on the mend and Mini K and I took flat Teddy around for Miss M this weekend.

So tonight I took advantage of the FREEZING cold weather and sorted through Mini K's old clothes. I thought I would host a minnie blog sale before I list them on ebay tomorrow night.

Lilly Pulitzer Size 6 Dress. $18 shipped

Lilly Pulitzer Romper. Size 6, $15 shipped. Worn once.

One of my favorite outfits, size 5 and Mini K only wore it once! $20 shipped

Size 5 Maxi. $20 shipped

Size 5 Minnie Maxi Dress. I LOVE this dress! $20 shipped

Either leave a comment or email me if you are interested in any of these and if anyone know of a little boy with the initials CJG have them email me as I have an entire tub full of monogrammed clothes of Baby C's that I am going to list on ebay with these and more girls stuff tomorrow night!

Bag Lady

2012-02-08T14:47:00.000-08:00

Mini K gave me an orYany bag for Christmas to, and I quote "hold all of OUR stuff!" Her statement was correct as Mr. G says if my car ever broke down I probably have everything I need to fix it in my bag! a sippycup, pacifiers, fruit snacks, a Tide bleach pen, a stain stick pen, at least 1 if not 2 ipods, but what I usually cannot find are my keys!

I have a big Louis Vuitton neverfull, but am not really a fan. It doesn't zip or close on top so my stuff always seems to fall out so I was willng to try something new. One of my favorite things about these bags are the lining. Mine is a bright green and brown trellis print and my items still stand out instead of fading into the black darkness! There is an outside pocket where I keep my keys and lip balm and the inside has 3 zipper compartments and pockets for 2 iphone, blackberries, etc.

Since Christmas they have been featured on Rue La La once and the prices were around $100 instead of $400.

I noticed today that they will be back on Rue La La this Saturday so mark your schedules.

If you aren't a member of Rue La La you can join HERE and start your shopping with $10! I of course LOVE the pink one featured in promo. How chic would it look when paired with black skinnies and a black cashmere sweater.

Handwriting Happy Challenge

2012-02-07T19:54:00.001-08:00

Mini K needs to work on her handwriting, but neither her teacher or I believe that writing letters over and over are fun! Last week she announced from the backseat that she LOVES mail and it got me thinking. Who doesn't love mail? I am not talking about stacks of junk flyers or the standard catalogs, but a card or letter or maybe a special catalog, and a surprise box, well that is even better.

Now the Lawyer's Wife has a daughter that is only a year older than Mini K so I told her that Mini K was going to write Miss M a letter. Mini K thought it was super fun and now loves to say she has a pen pal.

This got me thinking, our love of mail doens't stop once we are adults so I got out mystationery, monogrammed of course, and wrote 3 notes to friends for no real reason. Today those 3 friends all called to say how much they liked their notes.

My point is the little gestures can have a big impact. You never know when a friend or family member may just need a little smile at the end of the day.

So here is my challenge:

This week write a letter (and MAIL IT!), send a box of happies, drop off a note with something yummy at a neighbor's house or surprise someone with a cookbook...JUST BECAUSE. There is one condition: do NOT expect ANYTHING in return. In the words of Nike, just do it.

Trust me, you will feel better for it!

Sunday Finds

2012-02-05T17:28:00.000-08:00

I had planned to do this post on Friday, but we had Trivia Night at Mini K's school on Friday night and let's just say the parents stayed out past curfew!

Yesterday was filled with a birthday party, a play, a long run, guitar lessons and errands so today is the day.

You know me, I love to share a good deal. Usually those deals involve a sale or a discount code, but sometimes they are just a great product for the price. Well, this list is a combination.

I can't wait for my BIG FAT CHECK to arrive from ebates, but I might have to take advantage of this special deal from Kate Spade for EBATES. In addition to getting 3.5% cash back on all purchases, when you shop Kate Spade by clicking through EBATES you can take $50 off your $250 purchase with code YOP12. The code expires tonight. So in between commericals, just click on over. You also get $10 in your ebates account just for joining.

One thing I don't like about running in the spring with Baby C in the Bob stroller is wrestling with a blanket. Last year a friend gave us a Nuddle and I had yet another one of those moments where I kicked myself for not inventing it. The Nuddle is a blanket that locks into your stroller (it works on both our Bugaboo and Bob so I am pretty sure it will work on any stroller) and I no longer have the added workout of chasing a blanket down the street with said stroller in tow. The blankets sell for $38, but they are on Plum District for only $18 and of course I found a code! So you can use code " fabulous" for an extra 10% off. The blankets come in natural, blue and pink and make the BEST baby gifts. No surprise to any of you, but I had to monogram Baby C's. You can buy your Nuddle Blanket HERE.

Finally, Baby Lips. I have been a fan of La Mer lip balm for years. Yes I know it's $40, but it works. Chapped lips are gone in mere hours and it isn't overly smelly or oily. Mini K and I stopped at Ulta to pick up some Essie to send to a friend overseas and I saw a display for Maybelline's Baby Lips. I figured for $4.49 I could take the risk to see if it would really last for 8 hours. It does and is amazing!

I highly suggest trying it.

Happy Happy

2012-02-02T17:22:00.000-08:00

What a day! I have been looking forward to this post all day, because we know I LOVE a good deal. I intended to post it earlier, but Mini K lost the first of her two front teeth and I needed to assist the Tooth Fairy in finding some worthy gold coins.

We may have 6 more weeks of winter, but starting tomorrow the Grove is having a HAPPY sale! What is a HAPPY sale? Well how does 30% off ALL id tags, stickers, enclosure cards, save the dates and wedding invitations sound? Yep you read that correctly, 30% off from February 3rd-February 28th. Just enter code: HAPPY30 to receive your discount.

I lost track over the holidays of how many Facebook status updates for engagements I read so we wanted to do a sale that offered something for EVERYONE.

One of my favorite things to give are id tags. They are something everyone needs, but most people will not spend money on them for themselves. These are great on their own or pair them with a boat tote, a beach towel or as part of new baby gift if the baby will be going to daycare. We have a lot of military spouses order these with their name, cell phone number and email address and monogram on the other side. Since they move so much, they won't have to constantly being ordering new ones! I love the khaki and orange combination, but you can see all of our designs HERE.

I love stickers! Simply put one on a cello bag and you can save a fortune on birthday and baby shower cards. Each member of the Grove family has their own stickers, plus we have some from our entire family, and some from just Mini K and Baby C. I keep them all in page protectors in a three-ring binder on a shelf so when I need one I can just pull it out. My cercies are currently gifted with these stickers, but mine say Happy Happy xox, Grove Gal K. You can see all of our stickers HERE.

Most people think of Save the Dates for weddings. but lately we have had a lot of clients order them for Frist Communions and Confirmations. With so many families living across the country they are a great way to send all of the details, with plenty of notice, in style. This blue and coral design is one of our best sellers. I love the idea of including a photo of the special girl or boy, or use it as a traditional wedding save the date. You can shop all save the date cards HERE.

This is one of my favorite wedding invites. It is perfect for all seasons, has a big impact, but a simple classic style and the price is unbeatable before the 30% off so with the discount it is a DEAL! You can shop all wedding invites HERE.

We believe in sharing a good deal, so feel free to pass this on!

Zig Zags Aren't Always Chevron Stripes

2012-02-01T19:54:00.000-08:00

Today I took a tumble from a momentary smug mommy moment. Last week my friend K was describing the new "must have" in the first grade set at her daughter's school: Reebok Zigs. You know them, these horrid looking shoes with thick crazy soles. They may be chevron in shape, but lack that Missoni chic factor. I took of breath of smug mommy air and opened my mouth to say I was so grateful that Nikes and Toms were the only shoes that Mini K had mentioned.

Then this morning happened. For the past few weeks, mornings have been sock free and Ugg heavy. Well today it was downright warm, almost 70 degrees in Washington, D.C., so Uggs were not on the fashion forecast, except we had a problem, Mini K's shoes were too small. I caved and let her wear her Nikes, which she usually only wears for tennis and told her we would go to Nordstroms after school.

She went off to school and I went off to work. Needless to say, I had no idea what was waiting for me in the shoe department. As soon as we arrived she raced over to the dreaded Zigs, the ones I didn't think she knew even existed, she turned, faced me, and channeled her inner Rachel Zoe, even though Rachel Zoe wouldn't be caught dead in Zigs, and said she MUST have them. I mean all of the kids have them and why wouldn't I let her. Now my friend K had a great comeback (she did end up buying the Zigs, but I am giving her props for the comeback!), but I just stood there. Zigs to me mark the beginning of long slide in tweendom and that my friends scares me more than a 99% humidity day in the absence of a brazilian blowout. I said a silent prayer that I hoped they wouldn't have her size and asked the associate for her size. Wouldn't you know that they had her size, in three different color choices. OH JOY! So with no escape

route in sight, another warm day predicted tomorrow and no other tennis shoes at home, the Zigs were bagged up and home we went.

Clearly Mr. G is not familiar with Rachel Zoe, or fashion, or the size of Mini K's foot, because he merely said he would have LOVED those shoes as a kid. So today I was voted off the smug mommy island, and I had just clawed my way there for my first visit and thrown into the land of bizarre looking shoes. My silver lining is that there have been no requests for Justice clothing, Justin Bieber dolls or downloads and Mini K still thinks I am cool. It has all been too much for my fragile mom ego, so I am off for a class of wine, some Pinterest therapy and the dreams that we return to the land of Tretorns, Nikes and ballet flats.

Valentine's Day Project #1

2012-01-31T19:14:00.000-08:00

The next two weeks are a blur of events at school, tennis, guitar lessons, the 100th day of school and 3 birthday parties so Mini K and I did her valentine's for her classmates tonight.

We spent a few hours looking at options online, her exact quote was "let's just google it mom", and as soon as she saw the shovel idea her mind was set....with one exception...the shovels HAD to be PINK. Let's just say, the search for 24 pink shovels took its own google time, but in the end I found a store that allows you to pick the colors you want so you don't have to order multi-color packs. Thank goodness I found Giant Party Store or I would have ended up with 100 extra shovels in order to get the pink ones!

While we waited for the shovels to arrive, we picked up some pink and red striped cello bags in the dollar section of Target, more than a few bags of plain Valentine M & M's and raided the ribbon closet for some red ribbon. We added custom tags that say: I dig you! Love, Mini K and we were ready to assemble!

We filled each bag with enough M & M's to "fill" the shovel, tied the cello bag, then tied it to the shovel and attached the hang tag. We will curl the red ribbon the night before. Here's a tip, if you will store the items in a place with dry heat (note our lovely radiator heat), curling ribbon loses its curl.

Our shovels are organized in a plastic bin in the pantry ready and waiting for us to pull them out and take them to school!

I thought I would post this early in case any of you are looking for a fun Valentine's Day project to do with your minnies. Giant Party Store had our order shipped 12 hours after I ordered it and it was on our doorstep 3 days later so you still have time!

Visions of Spring

2012-01-30T20:37:00.000-08:00

Last week my friend K and I hosted the summer kate and libby trunk show. It was a great chance to see friends, think of spring and plan for summer portraits.

Tonight, we entered in orders...as always we thought it would take an hour or so, well in reality it took almost 3 hours so I guess the show was better than we thought!

Here are some of my favorites.

By The Numbers

2012-01-29T19:38:00.000-08:00

So it hasn't technically been a full week since I last blogged, but I feel like I have not stopped and no one wants to read working mom gibberish...especially this working mom!

1: The number of AMAZING Pink Swap I received this week.

2: The number of hours I just worked out to purge the stress from this past week

3: The number of social events or lessons Mini K had this weekend (translation: the Mom Car Service logged a lot of miles)

4: The number of hours I spent on 1 conference call last Wednesday...my ear still hurts!

5: The number of boxes I am shipping out tomorrow morning

6: The number of hours I spent on a train (I only spent 23 hours in NYC)

7: The number of times I hope to blog this week. I literally have a notebook with scheduled blog posts. I will also confess I am such an outline/bullet person they are already in bullet form!

I knew this upcoming week was going to be busy so I have broken down my to-do list into 5 things a day. I couldn't look at the long list anymore, so now it is color coded by day and oh so much more bearable.

Now, even when I am busy, I still have time for a good deal so I HAD to share one with you. I hate throwing away Mini K's drawings from school, but we simply do NOT have the space on the shelf or the wall for them all so I channeled my anti-clutter self, well let's be honest, I didn't really have to channel her and came up with a solution that I think works.

I take a photo of EVERY single page and upload it to picasa. I then add a caption that includes the date and anything Mini K said about it and upload it to Snapfish. At the end of each school year I publish it in a photo book. I can then keep all of those papers, sculptures, hats and other materpieces on a shelf, neatly organized in a book. The front page is always our annual first day of school in front of the door photo and the last page is that same photo taken on the last day of school. In the past I have used Snapfish, but I think I am going to try Mixbook this year. The best part is you can get a $50 gift certificate for $18 right HERE. For those of you wondering, I wasn't paid for this post, but I firmly believe in sharing a good deal.

So until tomorrow, I am off to dreamland so I can hit the ground running this week!

Party Recap

2012-01-23T19:10:00.000-08:00

Mini K turned 6 almost a month ago and her party was before that, so clearly this post is LATE. We had an Eloise themed party, complete with Eloise drama.

I made the mistake of hiring a new lady to make the cake (if you live in the D.C. area email me so I can warn you to stay away from her!) and she decided that no one has a Friday night party so I must have given her the wrong date. When we called her to pick up the cake at 1pm on Friday she admitted that she hadn't even started it and said she would throw something together. SO 5 hours before the party, we were cake-less. Thankfully, a few stressed phone calls later, we found a bakery that specialized in wedding cakes agree to make us a cake, or a 2-tier cake with most of it being styrofoam and a bunch of cupcakes. I think it turned out pretty cute and Mini K never knew it wasn't the cake she originally had picked!

The girls all enjoyed "room service", the Eloise Christmas movie on the big screen, while the famous Ms. Linda painted everyone's nails and the girls all left with their own hotel emergency kit filled with a bow, lipgloss, nail polish and big giant iced cookie!

This was the first time we have had a party on a Friday night and it was so nice to wake up Saturday morning with the party behind us and an entire weekend to relax! Okay who am I kidding, her party was a week before Christmas so I pretty much had the weekend to get everything ready for Christmas!

I am still in denial that Mini K is officially closer to 10 than a baby! It goes by way too fast!

Prep Work

2012-01-22T19:14:00.001-08:00

If you thought the title meant for cooking, well you haven't been reading my blog long enough! If you hear screams coming from D.C. it is not because of politics, it is merely working moms reacting to the impending "wintery mix" and delayed opening of the federal government tomorrow. You see wintery mix, while it sounds like a scene out of White Christmas is pure hell...it is essentially a falling Slurpee machine without flavor and mixed with dirt, it ruins your wood floors, sends your children from the high of no school or the agony of enlightenment that ice does not make a snowman, or even a ice queen and quite frankly leaves everyone so stir crazy that we flee to Starbucks only to complain about the line.

Instead of letting the predicted weather ruin my night, I decided to try prepping...but lately, I only seem to prep for:

travel

parties (though not the ones I am throwing!)

shopping

No surprise that I tackled my planning with a cup of my favorite caramel tea from Ladurdee in my favorite monogrammed mug. If I have to work, my fuel source should at least be cute right? I have to be in NYC this Thursday and Friday for my day job. I love being able to avoid the airport and hope on the train. Three blissful hours calm, or relative calm. I am one of those dorks that actually plans out what I want to accomplish on the train. This trip is planning Baby C's 2nd birthday party (which will be in MAY!), planing our my spring shopping list and watching Lipstick Jungle now that I finally downloaded it to my ipad. I have back to back meetings on Thursday but am so excited that I will be able to see a couple of friends while I am there for work.

Since I don't get back until Friday evening, I spent this weekend making sure everything is all set for my friend A's sip 'n' see for her new little princess. The wreath has been ordered, photos of the baby should be ready for pick-up on Saturday morning, petit fours will be ready on my way to the party (you didn't think they would survive in my house overnight did you?), and presents for both the sip 'n' see and the birthday party Mini K is attending at the same exact time are wrapped, tagged and ready to go!

I am sure this doesn't sound exciting, but I LOVE watching my long to-do list become a shrinking sea of solid green sharpie lines.

As a reward for actually reading this post, I promise tomorrow I will finally post photos from Mini K's Eloise party! See I do read my email, I am clearly just getting old and slow!

Musings From The Kitchen Island

2012-01-19T15:51:00.000-08:00

Our island looks unassuming. It is made of white beadboard with a black granite, but let me tell you it was quite the decision. When we purchased this house our kitchen had a huge open space in the center that we couldn't decide what to do with. Should we just leave it or add an island. We finally decided to custom build an island with a beverage refrigerator and an ice maker. Now I cannot imagine our house without it. It is truly the hub of our house and when it is armed with a tervis full of Arnold Palmer zero, an iPad and a few supplies and it can solve just about any problem you throw at it.

The island turns into a DJ booth after dinner and kids have their very own dance party...all we are missing is a disco ball and some bad nightclub outfits! Tonight was no exception, so while they go their groove on to Dynamite and Zac Brown band, I got a couple of new baby baskets wrapped, picked out our new kitchen refrigerator, approved the new cabinets and design, filled out Mini K's rental form for skiing tomorrow, made a hair appointment and sent some clients ideas for professional stationery.

Mr. G came home and mentioned that this is our nightly "happy hour" in D.C.: trying to get everything done, while spending time with your kids. When I was pregnant with Mini K I thought about how no one I know is actually from D.C. yet I was going to have a baby at a D.C. hospital and now I have 2 D.C. kids. I am not sure what is "normal" for growing up in D.C., it is most certainly NOT good high school football games on a Friday night, huge backyards or drive thru Starbucks, but there is something I like about having two city kids. Mini K knows that we walk, she thinks the Smithsonians are the norm for museums, a presidential motorcade is merely something that makes us late and that Georgetown Cupcakes is where one MUST go for the early dismissal cupcake fix. I couldn't help but think of a certain video (excuse the language!) that has been circulating around D.C. ...it pretty much sums it up.

I am sure every city and town have some things that are just "theirs", just like we each have some things we just do. For me, the baby basket is just something I do. I HAD to know if I was having a boy or a girl both times, but lately it seems people prefer to be surprised. I always tend to give a monogrammed gift once the baby is born, or some Political Playwear if the parents are in politics, but my go to shower gift is the baby basket. I put the same things in it every time. They are items that I loved and used with both kids (except Sophie as she wasn't around when Mini K was a baby!). I always package them in a bucket that the parents (read MOM) can use after the baby is born to store diapers, wipes and burp cloth on the living floor.

I made two of these buckets tonight at the kitchen island. They each have a Sophie in them, a Sophie leash so she doesn't suffer a tragic fall from the stroller or carseat, paci wipes, Boogie Wipes, stain spray, hangers from Buy Buy Baby (there is something about them that makes them better for the 12-24month clothes), and nighttime washclothes that already have the organic baby wash in them. I toss everything in the bucket, add a cello bag, some ribbon and a gift tag and off it goes. I loved getting items that friends thought were useful and hope these new moms feel the same way.

We then tackled homework, tomorrow's lunch, tomorrow's ski trip, the final details of next week's Kate and Libby trunk show, a few phone calls and a ponytail later we are off to tackle bath, story and bedtime!

SO my quesiton is, am I the only one that feels like they live in the kitchen and do the same routine each day?

Put A Stamp On It

2012-01-16T18:57:00.000-08:00

We had so many of you email us to see if we could extend our DOUBLE your quantity for FREE on notecards and New Year's Cards that we could only say YES! You can see all of our note card options HERE and our foldover options HERE.

So the special will continue through the end of January. We hope this helps you get your thank you notes in the mail in a personalized fashion!

A lot of you have emailed asking us about notecards for the men in your life so I thought I would share two of our best sellers.

Mr. G has THESE for his personal notes.

These are our second best seller.

I am a big believer in each member of the family having their own stationery as well as family notecards and I have some formal Mr. and Mrs. notecards. Growing up, we could not use apresent until the thank you note was written and while I got some eyes from Mini K this year, the rule is one I passing down to the next generation. She asked if she said no gifts for her next birthday party would she get out of writing thank you notes...I tried this same logic as a child and the answer is NO, you would still need to write each person a note thanking them for coming! I should have realized when I was a kid that someday I would get to pass on those same rules.

Saturday Steals

2012-01-14T11:20:00.000-08:00

My mom arrived last night. We weren't able to see her over Christmas due to her radiation schedule and Baby C being under 2, so last night was like Christmas part deaux.

This morning I rushed out the door to get a quick run in followed by a very drama filled little boy haircut for Baby C and came home to find an email from Zulily and what a deal.

I have said this many times that when I see a good deal I stock up because you never know when you will need a gift, or a pick me up! Well, they didn't disappoint today and I had to get online and share them with you, because there are a lot to sort through!

Gifts

Pink glitter shoes for your little princess for $10 HERE!

How cute would this tank be for a little girl in her easter basket or for a birthday gift paired with a pair of sunglasses? You can get it for less than $10 HERE.

Little girls pj's for less than $9 HERE!

When do you see Little Giraffe blankets for half price? You could do this with a script monogram for a girl or a name for boys. You can get it HERE.

A baby boy light blue quilted coat with mittens that sells for $60 for only $16 HERE.

Boys smocked outfits for $16.99 HERE.

And girls smocking HERE.

For Dads

Mr. G LOVED his Diaper Dude vest when Mini K was a baby. It stored diapers, wipes and was NOT a diaper bag! I would have loved to have only paid $35 for it! You can get it HERE.

For Shoe Lovers

I am not a clog wearer, but so many of my friends say Sanita clogs are great. I would say Sanita clogs for less than $30 when they retail for $70 is even better.

You can find the basic black HERE.

Or take a walk on the wild side with these pink ones for Valentine's Day HERE.

Chooka moc croc rainboots in chocolate brown and black for less than $30 HERE!

For My Pregnant Friends

Isabella Oliver maternity clothes are amazing, and zulily has them at over 60% off!

For those of you not due until late spring, buy your white jeans now HERE.

I LOVED these wrap shirts during both of my pregnancies and they look great with black pants, a skirt or jeans. You can find it HERE, but make sure to check out the Isabella Oliver pants too!

They also have some adorable nursing dresses for less than $30! You can find them HERE.

You can save an additional 10% off of your purchase with code: COUPGURU925

What's That Letter?

2012-01-12T19:53:00.000-08:00

So it's official...I am getting old...at least in one eye. My visit to the eye doctor yesterday came with a party favor: a prescription for glasses.

Now I know many of you wear glasses or contacts and the does NOT mean you are old. I know my new "condition" means that because his helpful nurse, said "oh hom a lot of people need glasses when they get to be"....wait for it....."YOUR AGE!" If nurses were wait staff she wouldn't have gotten a tip.

I spent last night in front of the computer (which I could see) looking at frames and then decided I would check out ebates! Why, because I am going to continue my ebates obsession this yer and see just how many of the items I would purchase anyway could earn me cash back! Let's just say the deals almost made up for the prescription. I discovered Lens Direct. They will give me 6% CASH BACK through ebates and I can save 20% with a coupon code (CJEYE20), plus they offer free shipping. You can choose if you want them to put your lenses in or just send you the glasses and you can take them to your doctor. I think I am going to have my doctor put the lenses in, and while I do love the Chanel glasses with the pearl on the side, EVERY SINGLE PERSON that I know who has them says it falls out or catches in their hair so I am thinking I might stick to Tory Burch or Kate Spade, but these YSL ones also caught my eye.

Now if only facials and botox were on ebates I would be in heaven! Mr. G is still amazed at how my loyalty to the site has paid off....I am halfway to the splurge bag I have been wanting simply by ordering the things we use anyway from soap.com and diapers.com via ebates! (Okay and maybe a few more stores!)

And if you haven't joined ebates yet, you can join HERE.

So which pair of frames do you like?

Sweater Weather

2012-01-10T18:58:00.000-08:00

Remember the good old days of the J.Crew rollneck sweater. Heavy cotton, perfect over a button down in the winter and on a chilly beach evening in the summer? Well, the ladies at Oh My Darling Smocked Designs have come out with perfect rollneck sweaters for your little boys or girls. Katie and Jen started this company with the goal of providing moms with quality handsmocked and monogrammed clothing at a reasonable price.

I purchased a few of these sweaters for Mini K and Baby C. We have the hot pink and navy ones that I had monogrammed, Mini K picked out a seahorse one to take to Camp Greystone, Baby C has a classic whale and we have given the Politcal Playwear designs to several friends that have little boys. The best part is that the sweaters can go in the washer and come out just as soft as they went in! They come in sizes to fit babies through 12.

Everytime one of my kids leaves the house with one of their sweaters on we get asked where we got it and it ALWAYS leads to a mom mentioning how much she loved her J.Crew rollnecks.

Jen and Katie wanted to offer all of your a little surprise, or in this case a $50 surprise! From now until this Sunday ALL sweaters purchased through their site are on MAJOR sale with code: grovegals

Shipping is free with purchases over $100 and otherwise it's a flat $6!

If you are wondering how good can this sale be, well let me tell you:

Any 2 sweaters are $60, that's a savings of $50!!!!!

Feel free to share this deal with friends!

Stay warm...and monogrammed of course!

The Fairy Is Coming.....

2012-01-09T19:26:00.000-08:00

Mini K is on the verge of losing her 3rd tooth. The tooth in question is her top front tooth. She has already lost two on the bottom. She is more motivated to to get this tooth out than a fat girl is to fit in a bridesmaids dress that she ordered too small. Her motivation: the tooth fairy.

SO I started thinking during my journey to nowhere on the eliptical tonight: like naps, fairies are wasted on children, because adults would relish them! Have I lost you? For the moms out there, how often do you battle with your toddler to nap when you yourself would LOVE to nap? The same goes for the tooth fairy...it's exciting to go to sleep and wake up to find something and then by the time they hit the first recess of the school day they have forgotten about her visit and moved on to something else. For those of you wondering, the tooth fairy is now one of the 1% percent of Americans...the Occupy Wall Street movement should be battling her, she doesn't know that the economy is not in its best shape and she certainly is doing much better than the tooth fairy of our generation, or mine at least. She no longer brings coins, unless they are gold and she prefers paper.

I couldn't help but think that we working women and moms need a little visit from the fairy in our lives...don't we deserve it? I mean there are some days when just surviving until bedtime is feat far more daring than pulling a tooth out.

So how about you survive a painful nail break while trying to cook dinner after a long day. This should result in a visit from the ring fairy...I wouldn't forget if this was left under my pillow.

NeilLane.com 5 Carat Sparkler

Or when you look into your handbag and it is full of sippy cups, hair accessories that are NOT yours, extra shoes, hats and mittens? The bag fairy should come right?

Louis Vuitton Siracusa GM

How about the daily winter battle to get them to wear their coats, hats, mittens and NOT flip flops? Shouldn't the supreme scarf fairy come? I would leave her a plate of any and every orange food I could find.

Hermes Box Collection from India Hicks

And last but certainly not least, for all of those hours we spend exercising after childbirth to regain our figures, shouldn't out feet be rewarded with the shoe fairy? She wouldn't even have to wrap them...they come with a bow.

Valentino Bow Pump, Neiman Marcus

While I know writing this post will no doubt attract the Negative Nellies out there, a mom has to keep her sanity while on the elliptical journey that only leads to a post in her daily My Fitness Pal log.

I promise to wake up in reality tomorrow and hopefully get both kiddos out the door, dressed for the season (snow today 58 degrees tomorrow!) and remember what my mother always said, work hard and don't ask permission to follow your dreams, but maybe the Fairy Queen is listening, for she is aging too and will visit if we bribe her with cookies that we don't want to log in our own food diary!

Valentine's Day Wreath

2012-01-08T19:02:00.000-08:00

Since it is already 10pm and I still need to take a shower and tackle the battle that is drying my hair straight tonight, I am going to only post about new door decor.

I wouldn't let Mini K touch the hot glue for our Christmas ornament wreath so she insisted on a Valentine's Day wreath she could help make. It had to be pink, pink and poufy....so we settled on a pom pom wreath for our front door.

We printed off a coupon to Michael's and headed off to purchase a styrofoam wreath mold and then headed to Wal-Mart to purchase yarn. After looking at far too many colors, Mini K decided on pale pink, hot pink and white.

The wreath itself is pretty easy to make. You need to make all of the individual pom poms first, then tie them around the wreath form, and then hang with ribbon.

To make each pom pom simply wrap the yarn around your 4 fingers approximately 70 times, the more you wrap the poufier (is that a word) it gets. Then cute the yarn, cut another piece and tie the wrapped yarn in the center. Our wreath has 48 pom poms on it so we did 19 of each color, I think.

Once you have all of your pom pom's, simply cut the loops at each end. (Don't you LOVE all of my technical terms in this post?) Then tie each pouf to the wreath form. Once we finished, we looped a piece of pink and white striped grosgrain ribbon around the wreath and tied another in a bow.

Mini K had so much fun doing this project and our front door is already ready for Valentine's Day, but I refuse to allow any Valentine's Day candy through our front door quite yet!

Home Sweet Home

2012-01-07T19:03:00.000-08:00

This week draws to a close tonight and I am so ready for it to be behind me and next week to start. One of my favorite clients at my day job always has a 2 day meeting to kick the year off so off to Florida I went! 28 hours worth of meetings and business dinners later, I was home last night.

Also several of you have emailed, but the DOUBLE your order of notecards and photo cards at our paper store ends on January 15th!

Mini K was a champ and ran some fabulous errands with me this morning, the bank, dry cleaners, the jewelers to pick up som gifts and the craft store and Wal-Mart to pick up our Valentine's Day needs. I promise a complete post on our wreath (which is hanging on our door), our neighborhood Valentine's and our class Valentine's tomorrow, but needless to say it was a busy morning. Mini K was rewarded with a last minute baking playdate at her friend Marnie's house and Baby C and I took advantage of the 64 degree weather to go on a 2 hour walk. I had planned on the gym, but couldn't exercise inside on such a beautiful day or leave him home after being gone for 2 days!

So tonight Mini K and I are tackling the DVR which means Say Yes To The Dress and Wipeout and I am making my January-June gift and project list. I break it up each year and it no longer seems so long. My grandmother always said it's not just what you give, it's how you give it. She didn't mean the amount of money you spend, but rather a gift is something that you know the recipient will enjoy BUT would never buy him or herself. Next project to tackle is my Mommy Time Out party plans. The wine inspired me to plan a party around it...though I confess I have NO CLUE if the wine is even decent.

Speaking of wine, maybe I should go pour myself a glass of champagne and celebrate the end to this hectic week! Pink of course!

Double The Thanks!

2012-01-03T19:27:00.000-08:00

The wrapping paper has no doubt been taken away, the presents have already been enjoyed, but have you said thank you? The rule in my house was you had to write your thank you notes for all of your presents except your Santa gifts BEFORE you played with them. It might sound like a chore, but my mom made it fun! She would put crayons, markers and stickers out with our notecards and while she and my aunts cooked Christmas dinner the kids would sit at the counter and "write" our notes. When I was little she would write them for me and I would decorate, when I turned 6 I started having to fill out a semi-written thank you or she would write out the note and I would re-write it on my notecard and finally, I would write them

myself.

I have continued that tradition with Mini K and Baby C. This means while most people are taking advantage of January white sales, January is the month we stock up for the new year on notecards.

So as a way of sharing our family traditions with all of you we are DOUBLING your notecard order for FREE. In case you never got around to sending out that fabulous photo on a holiday card, we are also DOUBLING your New Year's Card order for free! You can see all of your options HERE.

While I love pink, I wanted a change from the hot pink and bright orange cards I have been using so I went with these blue and green ones! I love that the back of the card is printed and the cardstock weight is heavy!

I love these blue and brown notes to have on hand when you need to send notes as a family. They would look great with The Smith Family across the top instead of a name.

This year Mini K started "writing" her own thank you notes so we ordered some of these to make the task a little easier and help her keep her words in a straight line.

Mini K is already counting down the minutes until she goes to Greystone so she insisted on getting some camp notecards to have ready...for her extended 4 night stay!

Since Baby C got his first pair of hockey skates for Christmas we are going with a hockey theme notecard!

Go Green, Save Green

2012-01-02T17:40:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that I love bamboo! Throw in a monogram and I am in preppy heaven! This is proably why I am so excited about our new Personalized Bamboo handled trays. For those of you that follow us on twitter (GroveGifts) you have seen a photo!

These trays are 11" x 17" with sides that are 1 3/4" tall and a handle on each side. They wipe clean with a damp cloth and are perfect on an ottoman, in an entry way or at a cocktail party. A lot people have been ordering them as wedding gifts, but I want one for me!

But here is the best part: the trays sell for $98 but we are putting them on SALE! That's right, from now until February 29th, they are $69.95! When we say SALE we mean it! We didn't want to wait until the new website was up so we have posted the designs on our Facebook page and you can place your order by leaving a comment with your personalization details, shipping address and paypal email.

So get out your calendars and knock off all of your wedding, housewarming and shower gifts at the sale price!

Our goal is to have the new site by the end of the month, but we couldn't wait to pass on such a great deal!

Happy New Year!!!!!!

2012-01-01T13:22:00.000-08:00

I hope all of you had a great New Year's Eve! Mr. G and I did something the unthinkable...we called our babysitter at 3pm, told her we would pay her for the evening, but she didn't have to watch the kids. We wanted to stay home. I think we made her night and it was the best money we have ever spent. We officially are the parents to a SIX YEAR OLD daughter...I have no clue where the years have gone, but it doesn't feel like our lives have been blessed with her for siz years. We went to Starbuck's yesterday morning and Mini K said, I am one-third of the way to college. That statment hit me as how fast time flies. It goes by even faster if you don't have a plan. So last night we had a different kind of New Year's, one that involved baking cookies, reading stories and I wouldn't change any moment.

I took the last week off from blogging. I needed to re-focus, reflect and think about this new year. I have a lot of plans for the Grove this year: new products, a new website, more shows and more products made by the Grove itself! 2012 is also the year we do our final addition on our house so the past week has been busy with contractor and architect meetings as we are hoping to break ground by the middle of February.

2012 will also be Mini K's first year at Camp Greystone and I cannot thank Hopsy enough for her tips and emails. Mini K wanted to pack the morning of her birthday and is so excited! Baby C will turn 2 and I am sure his boundless energy will turn into double trouble!

Mr. G will no doubt continue his much needed guys weekend and I cannot wait for my January girls weekend.

As for my day job, the presidential primaries are literally around the corner and I am thankful that the American public and NOT the BCS will be making the decisions!

I spent an hour yesterday setting goals, for myself. I am not a resolution person, because I think resolutions tend to come with pressure! 2012 is the year I will keep myself focused and positive every single day! So many of you have done posts about learning to accepting saying YES and I have been so inspired them. I hope 2012 is the year we can all see our lives for the good, see the positive in our friends and family (even when they are driving us crazy) and remember how fast time goes by so remember that the present you might want to rush through will soon be the past!

Happy New Year!!!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T17:41:00.000-08:00

What a week it has been! I had so much I planned to blog about: how I wrapped everything, our neighbor gifts, our New Year's gifts and then life happened. I know I am not alone as so many people have emailed or called me with similar stories. In years past, this would have sent me over the edge, but this year I really feel like God has just stepped in and help me chill out!

Baby C has both pneumonia and RSV, Mr. G has bronchitis and Mini K and I are on a lovely Z-Pack cocktail. We found out my mom wouldn't be able to be with us on Christmas due to a strong dose of radiation and Baby C being under 2 and 6 friends will now be getting New Year's and not Christmas presents. Baby C decided the one thing he really wanted to throw was not a ball, but the Christmas ornament Mini K had made at school. The egg nog poundcake for Christmas breakfast will be made tomorrow morning. All of these things would have sent me into tears last year, but this year, I just accepted it. I am not taking credit for my calm at all, it is all God.

Something this week made me embrace it. If I couldn't control it or fix it I just accepted it. It was hard, then it got easier. Two dear friends were really sick so we took them Chick Fil A chicken noodle soup. I gave up thinking the family room had to be spotless without a toy in sight every night.

Tonight, Mini K and I went to mass alone as Baby C couldn't go so Mr. G stayed home. It was the first year she knew all of the carols and it was so special to sit next to her and sing with her. We played Santa on our way home to a few good friends, then picked up Baby C and took both of them in for a check with our doctor on call at the hospital. Thankfully, Mini K's lungs are clear and Baby C doesn't seem to realize he is really sick.

Dinner was takeout, not what I had planned, but the kids didn't seem to care. I don't know why I felt like I had to get on my computer and post this, but I did. As I type, Mr. G and Mini K are watching Santa videos on Norad Santa and I did sneak in a few presents for myself at the last Call after Christmas sale.

I am going to take it all in and realize what I consider to be the biggest and hardest lesson to learn: I am not in the driver seat and that is for the best. Sometimes my plan isn't the one that God wants and I have to accept it. Sometimes life isn't fair, but it is always special, if you look for the blessings instead of for the items on your to do list.

I wanted to take the time and say thank you to all of you that have supported the Grove, the blog and Grove Gal E and I over this year and the years before. Life seems to speed up each year and I am so thankful for the people that support me and my family!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours!

xox,

Grove Gal K

Gift Cards

2011-12-18T16:53:00.000-08:00

If you have been reading this blog for awhile you know I have a thing about giftcards. I hate the act of just handing them over, no wrapping, no fun and what makes me think no effort. Now before you get mad, I am NOT saying there is no effort involved, or money for that matter, in a giftcard, but I am saying that I believe that deep down, EVERYONE loves the excitement of unwrapping an unexpected present.

Enter my love of cello, and ribbon and fluff in a tub. Fluff in a tub in the Grove casa is not marshmallow, it is what I call the stuff I purchase throughout the year and store in plastic tubs in my gift closet. I have a tub for kids, one for my girlfriends and one that is unisex. I pick these items up at Old Navy, Michaels, Joanne and Justice online. A little tip: both Michaels and Joannes ALWAYS have a coupon on their website that you can print out for 40% off one item and I am not above making a few trips if I want to stock up.

What you need:

Cello bags and ribbon. Purchase these when craft stores have their 40 and 50% off your ENTIRE purchase and STOCK UP! They dont take up a ton of space and Pinterest has some great ideas on how to store your ribbon.

Fluff

Some of my twitter friends have asked what items I consider fluff so here is a basic list:

Lipgloss, stickers, pencils, pens and hand sanitizer from the Target $1 section

Hello Kitty items on sale at Old Navy

Glow in the Dark and Mood changing nail polish and lip gloss from Justice

Mini Hairburshes from Michaels and Justice

ipod accessories

fun breathmints or gum

As for Justice, I REFUSE to step inside the store, but thankfully they are on ebates and run 40% off sales on a regular basis. YES, I am still on the ebates bandwagon and have over $100 coming to me in January from doing my Christmas shopping online and I plan to spend it on an anti-aging facial. If you haven't signed up, take advantage of the J.Crew 30% off EVERYTHING and Justice sales by joining HERE. One last thing, you get 20% cash back for purchases at Snapfish, so while your family thinks you are being so sweet for sending them photo gifts, you can be planning your next trip to the spa!

Now onto giftcards. I am going to talk about how I wrap 4 types of giftcards.

Starbuck's

I have 2 go to ways to give a Starbuck's card:

1. Purchase the keyring giftcards and attach it to a fun keyring. I always tend to go for a monogrammed option! Put them in a cello bag and tie with a bow. You can either attach a gift tag or fill out the to and from on the giftcard and the "tag" is on the actual present

2. When you purchase your giftcard ask for a tall size cup and lid. Put the giftcard and a note inside the cup, put the lid on the cup and attach a stopper. Place the cup in a cello bag and tie with a bow. It adds a little size to the card.

Target

This is what we give the teacher's at Baby C's daycare. I purchase the giftcard boxes at 50% off during the day after Christmas sales. Last year they had a ton of sparkly turquoise and pink stripe and red and white stripe. I can use those patterns all year so I literally purchased 50, for $6 total. Score! I have been using them all year. I put the giftcard in the box, put it in a cello bag and add a big bow that depending on who I am giving it to might have a small bottle of hand lotion or hand sanitizer or lipgloss attached to the bow.

iTunes

The mother of tween giftcards! I am extra careful with these because Mini K knows what itunes is and I don't like her to think of giving her cousins, or friends cash. She is almost 6, she will have the rest of her adult life to budget, but her childhood I want focused on seeing excitement in her friends and families' faces when they open a present. I try to wrap an itunes card with some sort of music accessory: fun earbuds, a keychain speaker, a cord keeper. It keeps the theme of music and if we are giving the itunes giftcard to a movie fan (my Dad!) we put a bag of microwave popcorn or some 3D glasses in the cello bag and a bow!

Food / Restaurant

This year, my nephews really wanted Subway giftcards. They live in Chicago and Subway is their afternoon snack before a hockey game or after practice. We know they listen to their ipods when they warm up so we put a cord keeper in the cell bag with their giftcard and a box of Altoids. If the giftcard is for a nicer restaurant, say Capital Grille, you could throw in one of those handbag hangers, a wine opener or when you are at the restaurant purchasing said giftcard, pick up a few boxes of their matches to put in with the giftcard. You can also usually find inexpensive small candles. In other words, if you are giving your parents a "night out" put the matches, the candle and the gift card in the cello bag and you have given them a lot more than a giftcard without spending a lot more money.

I hope this helps and if you need any ideas, leave a comment or send me an email.

In other news, we celebrated Mini K's 6th birthday in Eloise fashion on Friday night with 26 of her closest girlfriends! My ears are still ringing, but they all had a great time. I promise more details tomorrow!

Fountain of Youth

2011-12-14T19:00:00.000-08:00

No this isn't a post on some miracle cream (if you find one let me know!) or spa procedure, but sometimes it just feels good to feel young...even after you have entered your REAL birthdate!

I know I promised a post on wrapping giftcards, and it is coming tomorrow! Today I wanted to help you with filler, some last minute shopping and maybe something for yourself.

Remember your college days, where the end of the month seemed to last forever and you couldn't wait for a new month to begin so your allowance would start all over? I might be alone here, and for those commenters who never want to leave their name, YES I did work in college and graduated in 3 years so you can leave all the comments you want about being spoiled as I know the truth.

Well our college babysitter introduced me to UScoop about a month ago and I am hooked. The best part is you DO NOT have to be in college to be a member! The deals are geared towards the classic preppy lifestyle with an occaisional curveball of quirky thrown in. It is not a daily deal site, but the deals tend to occur around once a week. You can join HERE.

Now what does this have to do with wrapping giftcards? I like to wrap my giftcards with an item and I call that filler. The filler needs to be related and I always purchase filler in bulk, usually on sale and store it in plastic tubs that I label: guys, girls and minnies. This way I know when I am getting low and can re-stock.

UScoop has a great deal right now with Stephanie Johnson. It is NOT on their website, you had to receive the email to get the code, or have someone share it with you. Allow me: UScoop1 will get you 40% off the ENTIRE site! My favorite items of hers to give are the zippered pouches and the small box bags. They are great alone or with a gift card but I give these bags with a specific purpose. The medium pouches are great when paired with a starbucks card or a fun lipgloss. The small zippered box I use to store all of my charging cords for my ipod, ipad and iphone. I usually give it with a car phone charger (mom), an itunes giftcard (friend), LOTS of Advil (Mini K's teacher!) or band-aids, hand sanitizer and baby wipes (new mom)! I always have a list in my planner of who I gift throughout the year and what I have given them in the past. I jot down if they have a favorite color, are a silver or gold person, etc. It makes shopping A LOT easier.

UScoop is also running deals with Tucker Blair (I prefer the original Smathers and Branson) and Margaret Elizabeth jewelry.

If you haven't checked it out you should, because you never know when you favorite preppy designer might throw out a bone or a deal to their loyal customers!

And for those pesky government FTC types, I wasn't paid to write this post, I just believe in sharing a good deal or a fab find! If you have a deal PLEASE leave a comment so we can all enable each other to shop!

NYC Weekend

2011-12-13T17:55:00.000-08:00

We had the best time with Mini K in New York City and Baby C was all too happy to stay at home and snuggle with Miss T for the weekend!

The weekend was a blur of teas, shopping and yummy food. We surprised Mini K with the Eloise tea at the Palm Court with her friend Mere from school. As you can see the two of them enjoyed themselves!

The train home on Sunday came super fast and we are back in the holiday and birthday rush! Grove Gal E was so sweet to deliver orders over the weekend so I could enjoy the trip with Mini K. I was in line at Staples to see my favorite UPS lady by 8:15am on Monday morning to ship out our family presents as well as 22 orders! (and yes A yours was one of the boxes!)

Mini K and grabbed a couple of stars off the Giving Tree at school and I made time to pick up some happies to add to our giftcard packages. (A couple of you have emailed or tweeted me and YES, tomorrow I am doing a post on how to package giftcards!)

Today was spent chasing down last minute orders and putting the finishing touches on our invite for Sunday's SANTA SALE! Check out our Facebook page (and "Like" us if you haven't already!) as this Sunday we are having a HUGE SALE on all remaining in stock items and our favorite monogrammed totes can still be ordered and DELIVERED in time for Christmas if you are in the D.C. area. We have pink, navy, green and navy and white striped in stock and the totes are $50 each with a monogram.

I am going to spend the next few hours sewing a tulle table skirt for Mini K's Eloise party on Friday night and watching The Biggest Loser season finale. At the start of this year I promised myself I would find the balance and while its never going to be perfect, I also realize that I wasn't made to be anything but super busy....give me free time and I somehow end up behind, but give me a packed schedule and I somehow get it all done with the help of Starbucks and a few sleepless nights. The truth is, it's easy to stay up late if you LOVE what you are doing!

19 Days and Counting

2011-12-07T11:24:00.000-08:00

What is with the calendar this year? It is only the 6th of December and yet I know I am not alone in feeling like Christmas is TOMORROW.

I just hung up with a client who was placing a photo card order. She was SHOCKED that her order would ship on Monday if she ordered it today. She was convinced she would have to RUSH it.

Her call is one of many today so I knew I had to write a post. Grove Gal E and I wanted to make our paper site easy for you: our clients and friends! You upload your photo AND approve your proof when you place your order so there is NO waiting for a proof to be emailed to you.

Orders placed today will ship next week and that leaves you plenty of time to beat Santa to the mailbox!

I do have to admit that I LOVE some of the New Year's Cards that people are ordering today! My favorite so far says:

We wanted to be early!

Happy New Year!

and the other says:

Fashionably Late = Happy New Year!

I love getting cards the week between Christmas and New Year's as it makes you remember the real reason for the season: friends and family and not all of the after Christmas retail frenzy.

As always, Grove Gal E and I are here to help so PLEASE email us if you need assistance with your photo or order.

And remember...you have 19 days until Christmas, so grab a red Starbucks cup (or solo cup), take a deep breath and enjoy the season and let us do the work for you!

Fab Find Under $30

2011-12-05T18:26:00.000-08:00

Last week I had to spend three days in Florida for my day job. Needless to say I came home to an even longer to do list and orders to deliver!

Mini K and I had to take time out to shop the Junior League of Washington's Capital Collection of Shops. We stumbled upon a sugar plum fairy booth of sorts and walked away with yet another product I wish I had invented!

For weeks every single time we have gone to the grocery store or Target, Mini K has wanted one of those gingerbread house kits. I just don't trust them. I fear they were made in China, by some child Mini K's age and been in a box for too many years to count. I know she will lick her fingers to eat a piece of the candy and I just don't want to think about it.

Am I alone in that thinking?

Well if I am not let me introduce you to the Lollipop Lodge. It is a safe plastic, reuseable gingerbread house kit that costs less than $30. I am NOT KIDDING. The best part, other than you can use it year after year, or holiday after holiday, is that you wash the candy off with hot water and it can go in the dishwasher! Seriously, all you need to add is the frosting and the candy! Pure genius if you ask me.

We have been focused on FINALLY putting lights and ornaments on our tree, but the gingerbread house is on our to do list for the weekend after we go to NYC.

For those of you in the D.C. area trying to figure out how to make your gift card presents look a little bigger, bring your gift cards to our FINAL cash and carry trunk show of the season on Sunday, December 18th. We will happily bag and bow any giftcards with purchase.

I had to share our Lollipop Lodge with you, but I am back to Groveland to process orders and plan tomorrow's deliveries!

Night!

Big Impact, Small Price

2011-11-30T11:11:00.000-08:00

Don't you love giving a gift that has the wow factor? We think it is even better when the WOW factor doesn't leave a dent in your wallet!

From the start, the Grove has been about personalized gifts that we would love to receive and use that are accessible to everyone on every budget.

We searched high and love, but have to say our acrylic line is one of our favorites. It is thick acrylic, engraved with your choice of monogram or name included in the price.

The best part, most pieces are under $50! All items are on our website and will arrive in time for Christmas!

The vanity tray is our #1 best seller. It is perfect to serve small bites, hold your keys and mail, in the bathroom or on a vanity. At $38 engraved, people will think you spent a lot more!

My favorite is the square handled tray. We use it in our family room to hold all of our remotes and magazines.

The champagne bucket is the perfect way to thank your host for New Year's and will last a lot longer than a bottle of bubbly!

Engraved acrylic seems to leave in the most picky person on your list with a smile of thanks!

DIY Holiday Gift Link Up

2011-11-29T14:27:00.000-08:00

Hopsy suggested doing a DIY Holiday gift link up so I thought why not! I have already followed her lead and made my own ornament wreath for our front door. It took a little over two hours and made me realize that a cordless hot glue gun is truly a gem!

But since Mini K is a December baby, I decided to do a post for those that have both a birthday and Christmas in the same month.

Today a friend had a baby girl. She has been through one of the most horrible pregnancies I know of and this week will be an emotional roller coaster. Since I am out of town for half of the week I wanted to make something that would make her smile when she brought her little princess home.

To make a diaper wreath you will need:

1 box of Pamper Swaddler Newborn size
9 yards of your choice of ribbon, I chose different shades of pink grosgrain
A wooden letter from your craft store
Acrylic paint
A metal wreath form
Hot glue gun

Assembly
Paint your wooden letter the color of your choice and let dry. make sure to paint both sides of the letter.

Attach a piece of 18" ribbon with the hot glue gun to your letter and tie it to the metal wreath form.

Begin to wrap the diapers around the form and tie a knot with the ribbon.

Continue to work around the wreath until it is completely covered in diapers.

I love to give this as something fun to hang on the front door or baby's room.

Stocking Stuffers

2011-11-28T11:04:00.000-08:00

In my family, stockings contained our special gift and the fun stuff! The presents under the tree were always second to the excitement around "opening" our stockings.

I LOVE to come up wtih ways to personalize stocking stuffers or gifts for teachers and coaches.

Our monogrammed key fobs and wrist fobs are the perfect gift! The smaller key fob comes in every color combo under the sun, includes monogramming and is only $20!

The larger fob is made with super 2" wide grosgrain ribbon, includes monogramming and is only $25!

These have been flying out of the Grove this season. Just send us an email with your colors choices and monogram and we will take care of the rest.

A lot of clients have paired them with the small, key ring Starbucks gift cards, in school colors for the ultimate teacher happie.

We can take orders for these until December 10th and still get them to you by Christmas!

Cyber Monday Savings!

2011-11-27T20:30:00.000-08:00

We hope you had a great Thanksgiving and we know a lot of you had a great Black Friday based on the orders we have seen!

So we took our lead for Cyber Monday from you! For the first time we are offering a discount on our exclusive smartphone and ipad personalized covers!

Everything in our ETSY store is 25% off with code: CYBER.

This special is only good until 11:59pm EST on November 28th! These make a great stocking stuffer or gift in your choice of colors.

Happy Shopping!

Black Friday

2011-11-25T11:20:00.000-08:00

We hope you had a great Thanksgiving! We had a deal with Mini K yesterday...NO WORK and I wasn't fast enough to schedule a post so a belated Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

We had a little holiday travel drama yesterday, but that comes with the holidays and today we are in the thick of holiday shopping! That would be helping everyone else with their holiday shopping!

I did sneak out this morning at 6am to get a new pair of running kicks at 30% off at Pacers and brought home Starbucks for me! Mr. G is like Nordstroms...one holiday at a time! So he enjoys his pumpkin spice latte from October through Thanksgiving and then starting on the day after Thanksgiving switches over to the Gingerbread latte! He is predictable!

I came home to finish my attempt at an ornament wreath and the orders and emails have been flooding out inbox!

We really wanted to run a special when everyone feels like they need a little something! The holidays are about family and what better way to keep in touch than good old fashioned mail!

So take advantage of our Black Friday Sale: all photo cards are 20% off through tomorrow! The best part? You can see your card proof as you place your order so no wait time for aproof! Those cards will be in the mail in no time flat!

Why Wait Until Friday???

2011-11-23T20:41:00.000-08:00

It's not even Thanksgiving yet, but we are so thankful for our customers and friends we decided to start the party early!

ALL photocards are 20% off NOW through November 26th (Friday!)at our paper site:

Pineapple Grove Gifts

The best part? You can upload your photo and approve your proof from the comfort of your house or sofa in your Thanksgiving finery or lounge pants!

We have been posting some of our favorites and we know we will have more after we see what you choose.

Thank you for letting us share your special events and trusting us with your family memories. We are honored to have your business and wanted to help you keep in touch with family and friends this year at a discount!

We wouldn't score you any points by cooking your turkey, but our photo cards will make you the envy of every mailbox!

You can view ALL of your card options HERE.

Black Friday DISCOUNT Announcement

2011-11-21T18:17:00.001-08:00

The Grove has been full of smiles, families and a few tantrums, but it is all in the name of holiday cards so we expect it!

SO many of our clients have emailed us that the holidays seem to have snuck up on them this year and WE AGREE! How is it possible that this Thursday is THANKSGIVING?

Well we hear you so for the first time ever we are making our Black Friday sale PHOTO CARDS!!!!! That's right ALL PHOTO CARDS on our paper site will be 20% OFF November 25th-27th! It is our little present to you!

We know that the price of everything seems to have gone up this year, but the holidays are about family and friends and we want to help you stay in touch AND keep your costs DOWN!

And in case you might be sleepy from the turkey or in a one sided discussion with the BCS via your television all you need to do is pick out your wording, your photo and you can approve your proof on our site while you place your order! We have also discounted our normal rush fee of $50 by 50% so you can RUSH your order for a $25 charge and have your cards shipped within 2 days of approving your proof!

For a couple's first Christmas, how about this card and a photo from the wedding with: Merry Merry Married Christmas!

We love this card for a new winter baby! For wording your can do:

We have a new stocking on our mantle this year or No More Silent Nights!

If you have a new puppy, don't forget you can leave a note in the special notes section to include a "puppy paw print" by your names so Fido isn't left out of the holiday wishes on this card!!

For a new home and holiday card combo this one is a great choice and wording can be fun too:

Our tree has a new home this year or Santa has a new route to us this year!

Sunday Randoms

2011-11-20T14:07:00.000-08:00

This is our busy season and while it doesn't give me much time to blog we LOVE helping everyone cross things off their list! We are crossing off completed orders with our sparkly Sharpies! It's like tinsel on paper as Mini K said!

Mr. G officailly put Baby C on skates this week! Not surprisingly, he had ZERO fear!

Last week Mini K's favorite teacher Ms. R had a birthday. Since all of the kids bring cupcakes or treat sin for their birthdays, we thought Ms. R deserved a cake to! So Mini K and I spent an evening making the candy bar cake! It was so much fun and the candy masks all mistakes!

Just pick your favorite cake recipe and make 2 round 8" cakes. Bake and cool are you normally would and prepare or purchase your favorite frosting. We have a go to family buttercream recipe that we LOVE to make, and Mr. G and Mini K love that it always makes extra! Frost your cakes. Now here comes the fun part!

Surround your cake with Kit Kat's, our 8" cakes took 5 packages of King Size Kit Kat's. Once the "fence" is cup, tie a ribbon around it. Then take a package of your favorite M & M's or chocolate chips and fill in the top.

It is an impressive cake and oh so easy to make!

The other news around the Grove house this week is our little jumper decided the crib was his next target! That's right, Baby C can now officially get out of his crib! This is a record as Mini K was in a twin bed at 17.5 months because she wouldn't stay in. I felt like I had to put her in a twin bed because there was no bedding for a toddler bed. Well, Ann at Organic Blankees must have been reading my mind a year ago, because she came out with a crib sheet set. I purchased it last year for Baby C at Christmas, because there isn't much on an 8th month old's list for Santa. Well we put the crib sheet set on Baby C's crib and he snuggled right up and the jumping has stopped! The best part, when we convert his crib into a toddler bed, the sheet set will work because you use a crib mattress.

I know a lot of you have little ones and Ann and Organic Blankees always have the BEST deals so how does 50% off sound??? You read that correctly, use code: organic to get 50% off your total purchase. Mini K and Baby C both have the Organic Blankees with monograms and our crib sheet set is also monogrammed, did you expect anything less from me?

We have BIG NEWS tomorrow...let's just say you will need to be by a computer sometime November 25-27th!

Tales From The Backseat

2011-11-16T17:00:00.000-08:00

The juggle of having a fulltime job, the Grove and 2 kids continues. My life it is a lot of things, but boring is NOT one of them.

Mini K was given homework last week: she had to disguise a drawing of a turkey. What she chose to do resulted in almost 12 hours and took years off of my eyes!

I found your choice funny for another reason, my dearest friend Alexa is the only other person I know that would have done this and I am pretty sure she and Mini K are on the same planet: their own!

SO what does a turkey do for a disguise at Thanksgiving? It bedazzles himself of course. That's right, our single sheet of paper now weighs a few pounds, is sporting a few carats and we have been fully introduced to the concept of glue and tweezers!

She did a great job and then it happened...the idea that may make me send her to Aunt Alexas's house...

LET'S BEDAZZLE MY ENTIRE BATHROOM

Something tells me this would land us quite a few repins on Pinterest with the tag lines of crazy, insane and what were they thinking.

So mental note: Mini K and Aunt Alexa will not be involved in the bathroom planning for our addition!

Bags and Bedazzled

2011-11-15T18:53:00.001-08:00

I am ALWAYS on the hunt for a new fun bag, and when I find them I am thrilled when they can become a part of the Grove inventory.

Last week we added two great new bags.

Our new clutch has a detachable gold chain and leather strap, a zipper closure that is big enough to hold my iPhone AND Blackberry, lipgloss, my credit cards, cash and keys and has a back pocket for my valet claim check. It comes in black, red and purple and your monogram of course! At $100 is a deal compared to the Louis Vuitton model and goes with everything!

I have had a long love affair with my Goyard Saint Louis tote...in yellow...in black...in blue, but what I love the most is the shape of the bag. It holds all of my stuff, a water bottle and some sort of MUST HAVE for Mini K and whatever Baby C decides to throw in it when I am not looking.

I was so excited to discover a bag in the EXACT same shape, that I can monogram and guess what? The price....$50 WITH MONOGRAM!!!!!!

The bag comes in gold, silver, hot pink, kelly green, white, navy and my personal favorite: the navy and white stripe! These would make GREAT bridesmaids or teacher gifts and you still have time to get them before Christmas.

If you are interested in either of these bags just send us an email (grovegifts at gmail.com) and we will be happy to help you place your order.

And our big news is that we are now offering monogramming! After years of trying to find the perfect fonts partnered with top quality stitching, we have found our ideal and can now bring that service to you!

What A Week!

2011-11-13T18:01:00.000-08:00

I told you last week that you wouldn't hear from me for a few days, but I am back which means we survived 4 trunk shows in 5 days! The shows were a great success and we are so grateful for our friends & clients who support the Grove.

I have spent today processing orders and taking Mini K to her friend Raleigh's birthday party at the Spy Museum. She was so happy to be invited to an official BIG KID party...that would be a & year old party.

We came home to work on Mini K's Thanksgiving school project. I promise to share it when it is finished, because then you will understand why it has taken SO BLESSED LONG to complete.

This week we are going to have a last minute trunk show at Casa Grove to CLEAR OUT our in stock merchandise. Let me define CLEAR OUT: $5, $10 and $15 bins full of preppy goodies, hair accessories and YES Lilly P. Make sure to LIKE us on Facebook for all of the details.

In the meantime I am back to my day job and finishing up the plans for Mini K's birthday party. I don't think I have mentioned (feel free to tell me I am insane!) that we are having Mini K's birthday party BEFORE her birthday this year...AKA before Christmas. This means I have a week to get her inivitations out and less than 2 weeks to get all of my holiday cards addressed and stamped.

Speaking of holiday cards, ALL of our photo cards are currently 15% off! We have tons of designs in both the digital cards (where your photo is printed on the card) and the traditional photo cards where you attach your own photo. Grove Gal E and I noticed that everytime we turned around this weekend another family was having their picture taken. The holidays really do seem to be sneaking up on us this year! For those of you that are hoping to take your photos over Thanksgiving, and think the deals will have past you by, think again. We busy working girls (and we mean both at the office and the ever demanding, never off duty stay at home office!) have to stick together so for the FIRST TIME EVER we will be having a dela for you over the ENTIRE BLACK FRIDAY weekend so make sure you click on over to our Facebook page.

I am now off to wrap Christmas presents so my oldest (that would be Mr. G!) doesn't start snooping!

Hope you had a great weekend!

Ruffles & Warmth

2011-11-07T18:47:00.000-08:00

Grove Gal E and I have too many trunk shows to count this week! The Grove is not camera ready right now, but it is trunkshow ready. We are so excited to debut our new ring dishes, baubles, bags and paper deals galore! The cello bags are ready, the ribbon is bowed and the plastic transport tubs have moved in! All of this prep has left me craving my comfy workout clothes!

I confess that after a long trunk show or day at the office, I crave a hot Starbucks and some comfy clothes! Who are we kidding, as much as I love Mini K and Baby C there are days that I feel this way after answering WHY for the 100th time.

About 4 years ago I purchased my first pair of Lululemon pants. I still have them and they still look new. I wore them my entire pregnancy with Baby C, they stretched, and they went back to their normal non-pregnancy size. I know they are more expensive than other brands, but how many yoga pants look like new after 4 years of weekly wear? And my thumb shirts, as Mini K calls them, LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Lululemon Cabin Longsleeve Shirt, $68

I am NOT getting paid for this post, I just love them. If you know me in real life you know I think about my purchases in terms of cost per wear and these have to be pennies per wear!

As much as I love my Lululemon, I have been on the hunt for some new pieces. I keep seeing these So Low ruffle pants and LOVE them. They might be in my future.

So Low Foldover Ruffle Pants, $70

I will be thinking of my comfy close by the time our show ends tomorrow! I promise to post photos from the show and remember, if you need us to drop a hint on your behalf, just shoot us an email with the item and email for the hint.

Our deadline for monogrammed necklaces is November 23rd!

Reminder

2011-11-04T18:56:00.000-07:00

It's been A WEEK. I am thankful it is over, but this inspires me to remember a half full glass can be seen two ways!

Cello, Ribbon and Trunk Shows Galore

2011-11-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have been living in a tunnel. I have barely been able to sneak a peek at twitter, facebook and Halloween already seems like a week ago.

It is holiday trunk show season and the Grove is wrapping at full speed! I have been up to my eyeballs in cello bags, grosgrain ribbon and orders and I couldn't be happier!

If any of you will be in D.C. next week, or have friends or family that live there, PLEASE feel free to spread the word about our trunk show! My friends J & K are launching their kids clothing line, Oh My Darling Designs!, did I mention they have smocking for under $40, our friend Aimee will also be their with her fabulous, very Martha, seasoned nuts and it wouldn't be a Grove holiday trunk show without cocktails and a sale corner (which may involve a lot of pink and green, hint, hint!)

So please forgive me if my next few posts involve sugar and Starbucks (the diet of a small business champion if you throw in some Chickk Fil A iced tea!), but I am thrilled that the new paper site and our trunk shows are keeping me busy!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T18:01:00.000-07:00

Eloise and Lion are back from their trick or treating adventures and we have enough candy for the entire neighborhood! We will be donating most of it to the soldiers at school tomorrow! Our little Lion ended the night with a roar....the last of his molars are coming in...all of them and Mini K spent an extra minute brushing her teeth after all of that candy!

SO off I went to CVS to get his nighttime Orajel in hopes of sweet dreams.

The Countdown Is On

2011-10-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe the last time I posted was Tuesday...of last week! I don't think I have stopped moving...actually I take that back....I stopped in my tracks yesterday when Mini K told me it was snowing...in October! I am officially nervous about this winter!

We have been processing teachers gifts and holiday card orders nonstop in the Grove these days. I promise this week I will post some gift ideas in the under $30 category. We have received a lot of requests for that price range and ladies it is possible to give a gift that looks great and feels great on your budget!

A lot of you have chosen a traditional red, green or red and green card this year, but we have some favorites in the outside the box category. The best part: they are all 20% off through tomorrow night at 11:59p.m. EST with 50% off your envelope printing or return address labels. This is our best DISCOUNT of the season so click on over HERE. The best part, you can see your proof immediately. This means that if you always aspire to be the gal that gets her cards in the mail the day after Thanksgiving...this is your year to make it happen!

If you love ribbons and pink and green like we do, then you will LOVE this card. Such a preppy twist on holiday cards. We love it!

Red somehow goes from classic safe choice to modern with this coral card. It is perfect for a black and white photo from the beach!

Maybe it's my love of my new chevron dress, but I absolutely think one of you MUST order this card. It just makes smile!

How can your days not be MERRY & BRIGHT with this card? We love the unusual color and text box!

Who doesn't love chocolate that has ZERO calories but is super chic? We love the fact that pattern is printed on the back of the card too! You can get it HERE.

You Family is the star of your holidays so why not make them the star of your card? We love THIS full bleed style.

Trinket Dish

2011-10-25T17:54:00.000-07:00

I grew up hearing my mother call these trinket dishes so that is what I call them. I think most people call them ring dishes. At the Grove if we cannot find what we want, we just have it made. I have never been a fan of those dishes that have the stick in the center that you put your ring around because they never have space for my watch, bracelet and earrings.

So off we went in search of what we wanted....we have partnered with an American painter to create these monogrammed trinket dishes. In my opinion they are the perfect gift for sisters, friends, mothers, teachers, babysitters....you name it! The dishes are $40 each that includes your monogram and a painted bauble if you wish. You can choose from diamond earrings, a sapphire ring, a diamong engagement ring and your bauble can either be "platinum" or "gold"! Your monogram or initial can be in your choice of color. The dishes are 4.25" in diameter.

We just had a bride order these dishes for her bridesmaids and we are going to wrap them up for her with a pair of earrings and ribbon to match her wedding colors. One of these would make the perfect gift for a newly engaged gal!

Because there is somuch to customize we are selling these at our trunk shows and through email. You can leave a comment on the blog and we will email you to help you with your order or you can email us directly at grovegifts @gmail.com

Which one is your favorite?

Etsy Find

2011-10-24T17:57:00.000-07:00

I order from etsy...A LOT. I love the concept, supporting a small business and purchasing something that is custom and unique. There is something about a monogram or a custom piece that makes it mean more to me.

If you are on twitter you know that Baby C is a BIG BOY. His feet are the same size that Mini K wore when she was 3! A couple of weeks ago we put him in a 2T romper and he looked like he was waiting...on a massive flood. The 3T was huge around the middle and call me crazy but I refuse to pay to have aleterations done on every single outfit for an 18 month old.

So I thought, etsy will solve my problem and solve they did. I discovered Bradley Jean and immediately fell in love with their designs, style and their prices shocked me. A custom designed monogrammed smocked out for the same price I would pay for non-personalized out of a catalog.

I messaged Bradley Jean, took Baby C's measurements and ordered a bubble and a romper, both monogrammed and made to his measurements. H

ere is the stunner...they arrived, and fit perfectly, in less than 2 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wasn't able to get him to sit still for a photograph on Sunday when he wore the romper, but considering I could have sold 12 of them during mass alone, you get the idea. The fabric is great quality light khaki cord, the applique is monogrammed with top notch stitching and it fits perfectly!

I love the green of this romper. The thread is an ivory and it looks adorable with his white walking shoes and knee socks. I believe in knee socks. Little boys have the rest of their lives to wear Ralph Lauren and Thomas Pink button downs with pants so I plan on dressing Baby C as a baby!

Bradley Jean is offering you 10% your order with code: Fall2011. I am NOT being paid for this post and plan on ordering from them again, and again.

Comments From The Backseat

2011-10-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

I am still in shock that it is Friday night, that there are only 10 days left in October and that I am already making the list to order Christmas wrapping supplies! It's official, I am getting old.

I haven't been on twitter that much this week, but it seems that everyone feels that 2011 is flying by.

Today was Mini K's class field trip to the pumpkin patch. She should have woken up and been super excited to get out of the house right???

WRONG!

She kept asking for the parental snooze button as we call it....the Mom, Dad, please let me sleep 5 more minutes.

We finally got her out of bed, wrapped her breakfast in foil to eat in the car with her usual cranberry juice and drove to school. It is NOT a long drive, but don't let the distance fool you, because she can come up with some pretty funny statements in less than 10 miles!

I had to post about today's "idea", because, well it just cracked me up. When she has an outdoor field trip I make her wear pants. Today was no different. She sported miniBoden jeggings and a tunic and her standyby short Uggs. I type this so you know she was not wearing some intricate outfit.

Our conversation went something like this:

Mini K: Momma sometimes it is soooo hard to wake up and get out of bed I need some help.

Me: okay, what would help you.

WAIT FOR IT........................

Mini K: Pajama Jeans! I saw them on Food Network (she did understand why this statement about Food Network made me laugh)

Me: Why would you need pajama jeans

Mini K: Because I could sleep in the them and not have to change clothes for school AND if you order them during Chopped, you get a free shirt so all I would have to do is put shoes on.

Me: That's not really why people buy pajama jeans, but wouldn't you get tired of wearing the same thing everyday?

Mini K: Don't they come in different colors?

Me: No and thankfully they don't come in little sizes.

Mini K: Nevermind.

I dodge a bullet on that one. The funniest part to me was that she thinks they are somehow related to the Food Network and that they really are pajamas.

Tonight she and Mr. G are on their weekly date to the ice rink and I am making a pumpkin struesel coffee cake. I can't wait to share my new favorite etsy seller, and a discount code, but the items are in Baby C's room and he is asleep so the post and photos will have to wait until tomorrow.

We also want to say THANK YOU for all of the photo card orders coming in! We are thrilled with our new paper store, the values and the quality, but most of all thank you for supporting our business. You can now shop directly through the blog by clicking on Paper Store above and all photo cards are 20% off until October 31st and matching return address labels or envelope printing is 50% off.

Happy Friday!

Cocktails Anyone...

2011-10-19T17:53:00.001-07:00

I have spent the last 3 days in Tampa for my day job. I spent my evenings rushing back to the hotel after dinners to work on orders for PGG, in my pj's, in the hotel bed on my ipad with reality tv on. It probably sounds boring to most of you, but I have come to the realization that I am just one of those people that cannot sit still unless I am by the pool or on a beach, or trapped in a plane.

Which brings me to today. Both Tampa and D.C. were having storms, but they boarded our flight anyway, pulled back from the jetway and then gave us the news....get ready for bumps....the entire flight! Well let's just say bumps were an understatement. I am used to being on planes. Before Mini K was born I probably flew close to 400,000 miles each year. I have been on bumpy flights, I have been on flights where the cabin has lost pressure, but I have never been on a flight like today. Let's start with the fact that this wasn't what I would call a jet, more like apuddle jumper without propellers. Thankfully, we made it to D.C. I have never been so happy to be on the ground, but the flight left me with more nervous energy than I know what to do with. So jittery that Mr. G poured me a cocktail as soon as he saw me and offered to cook dinner for the kids.

Image courtesy of www.boulderganic.com

They are both in bed, Mr. G is at one of his hockey games and I am catching up on today's orders, making lists and finishing up egg free cereal cupcakes for Mini K's assistant teacher's birthday tomorrow.

I promise I will post the recipe!

I also am going to multi-task and answer emails on this blog (forgive me, but I don't know how long I can sit at this computer!). Several of you ladies have emailed about our holiday card specials so here are the details:

1. You can access our fabulous paper store by clicking on the link above.

2. Our current special is 20% off all photo cards AND 50% off your choice of return address printing on the envelopes or return address stickers.

3. Our cardstock is thick...I am picky...it's not a business card if it bends so we don't sell flimsy paper!

And finally...for everyone that orders holiday cards from us by December 1st, you will be entered to win one of our fabulous new personalized ring dishes! We will announce the winner on December 2nd and you will have the dish in time to give for the holidays, and we say wrap it and give it to yourself!

So I am going to return to my champagne cocktail and block out today's flight from my mind and not think about the 4 miles that my running shoes will make me do tomorrow at 6am.

Cookie Monster

2011-10-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

Never in a million years did I think that one of my favorite recipes would come from the NY Times! The Times claimed that this recipe is the BEST chocolate chip cookie recipe and our entire house, Mini K's class, my office, Mr. G's office and our neighbors agree. I am pretty sure the flour is the secret.

I have altered it by using dark chocolate chips, heath bar pieces and mini m&m's instead of regular chocolate chips and am convinced it is the cookie dough base that is winner!

I believe in sharing, especially when it involves calories!

Ingredients

2 cups minus 2 tablespoons cake flour (8 1/2 ounces)

1 2/3 cups bread flour

1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons course salt

2 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter

1 1/4 cups light brown sugar

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/4 pounds (yes POUNDS) chocolate chips (Iusually do half milk and half semi-sweet)

Sift flours, baking soda, baking powder and salt together and set aside.

Using a mixer cream the butter and sugars for about 5 minutes. Add eggs. Stir in vanilla, and begin adding the dry ingredients slowly. Add in chocolate chips.

Now the dangerous part...refrigerate the dough for 24-36 hours...I suggest locking up ALL of your spoons!

To Bake

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

For gooey dough like cookies bake for 8 minutes, for a more crunchy cookie bake for 11-13 minutes.

I usually take half of the batter and freeze it.

Gift Hint

Cookie dough is a great hostess gift if the party is at someone's house. Place the cookie dough in a cute container. I prefer old fashioned white ice cream pints. Fill pint with cookie dough and place a gift sticker on top.

Last year our stickers said:

Chocolate Chip Cookies For Santa's Helpers

Bake at 350 for 10 minutes and serve with milk!

Sweetest Holiday Wishes!

XOX,

The Grove Family

Turning Back The Clock

2011-10-12T18:21:00.000-07:00

I feel like time is flying by at a speed I find difficult to handle. My to do list is manageable, Grove Gal E and I are excited about the holiday shopping season, but I feel like time is just moving at a fast forward pace. I realize I probably say this every year at this time, but this year just feels different. Remember feeling like turning 21 was a lifetime away, when getting your driver's license felt like the be all end all. I realize for many of you it wasn't that long ago. The world wide web has always been the internet, there has always been MTV and Rick Perry has always been a Republican, but for some of us (ME!) it was 20+ years ago that junior high was our home.

I think junior high was also the last time I carried a Coach handbag. In fact I can remember when Coach opened its store in Dallas Galleria, back when the Banana Republic store looked like a safari, Units outfits were oh so school and the only two choices a girl had for her bedroom decor were Ralph Lauren's allison or blue floral print. I can remember sporting some Benetton outfit with my Coach bag. For those of you that haven't understood a word you have read, just go with it and let me feel young again! I think in some storage tub I still have two of them: the tiny saddlebag that you wore across your body with the brass lock in brown and my large unscructured hobo that I thought was oh so trendy in an olive green color.

High school gave way to other brands and Coach started printing that double C fabric. That decision drew a reaction from my grandmother that to this day I remember: there is only one designer that can use two c's on a bag and Coach is not that designer.

But something has changed with Coach or maybe it is just me trying to relive my youth. Two bags have caught my eye this fall, and I must admit that when most labels have increased their prices I think Coach has kept theirs in the same range.

The Kristin Satchel

The Dowel Flap Bag

I keep thinking about my grandmother used to say once you have worn a trend once, you don't wear it the second time around. Do we think this is true for Coach?

To cope with my feelings of age, Mini K and I made a batch of what the New York Times declared the best chocolate chip cookie recipe. I tend to agree with the Times and that doesn't happen often. The best part about this recipe, besides the almost 2 full bags of chocolate chips in it? The dough needs to be refrigerated overnight!!! Can you guess what I ate for dinner after the minnies we sound asleep?

New Look

2011-10-11T18:08:00.000-07:00

I am so lucky to have Miss E as a friend, a very talented friend. She has given my blog a little freshening in. Last week's malware unpleasantness left it feeling a little tired and stressed.

I love how it looks so far: clean and classic, just like a monogram. I spent the weekend working on finalizing some new products, help some great friends and clients with their holiday card selections and joined Mini K in the kitchen to make our first batch of pumpkin soup for the 2011 season. I promise to post the recipe along with some other fall must haves this week, but I am so excited to share one of our new products.

I love a ring dish! I am not a fan of the ones with the center pole, but a classic dish. This should surprise any of you now that we know each other, but I believe that a monogram makes everything, well better.

I had so much fun working on these with a very talented artist and am so excited that we will be carrying them! You can personalize your dish with your monogram, name and a bauble if you wish. Each dish is hand painted and made in the USA. Your toughest decision might be which bauble: a diamond ring, a cocktail ring, pearls earrings or diamond earrings. The best part, each dish is only $40. If you want to add a date or message instead of a monogram or in addition to we can add that for an additional $10. They are the perfect gift for newly engaged friends, in-laws, teachers, babysitters and don't forget yourself!

We have always said that we sell products that we would like to give and receive and these dishes are one of my favorites. We will be taking orders on our Facebook page and you can also email us at grovegifts@gmail.com.

Apple of My Eye

2011-10-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday started with learning that some lovely visitor had left malware on this blog, it ended with finding out that cancer had claimed another victory and we had to say goodbye to a truly great American, Steve Jobs.

I had a scheduled post for yesterday and today, but after yesterday's news I felt like I needed to post this instead. My mother always said that God gives us all a car in this life and it is our choice to drive in our lane or someone else's lane. It sounded like a great story as a child, even better has a teenager, I wondered what my car was supposed to be, and then life seem to take over and I went from one thing to the next, years passed, I worked on some amazing campaigns, got a job, job married and then Mini K was born.

I was still at home a few days a week with Mini K in May of 2005. We were still trying to figure out what her diagnosis was and how we could help her. Looking back now as I think of her playing sports, running and enjoying everything a 5 year old does this very sentence makes me laugh.

I was at home when I saw this video for the first time, Mini K was asleep in her crib and I was mesmerized by this speech. I have it in my toolbar and watch it often. Watch it, it will be 15 minutes of your life that you won't get back, but it will change it forever, for the better.

I think millions of us can look at our iphones, computers and ipads and know that Steve Jobs changed the way we communicate, live and work, but for me, like so many others, it was something bigger. He has changed the world in a way few people do, he is the ultimate comeback kid and he succeeded with passion and hardwork. In a time where government seems to think they need to be involved in the quest for the american dream, let us all remember that Steve Jobs accomplished so much with passion, failure, drive and hardwork.

So today I want to say thank you to Mr. Jobs for the following:

1. His facetime application has enabled my children to see and talk to my mom as she goes through rehab for West Nile and radiation for cancer.

2. For giving me countless more hours with my children escaping to the wonderful world of Pixar and watching the expressions of wonder on their faces.

3. For inventing products that allow me to do my job anywhere which means I can be at Mini K's tennis or Baby C's therapy and still in touch with my work world.

4. For teaching millions of children that technology is cool and not to be feared.

5. For showing me that sometimes the ultimate failure results in the ultimate success.

6. For allowing Mr. G to help Mini K with her homework when he is out of town.

It is strange to think of how many times a day this total stranger enables me to do more, more of what I love and more time with the people I love. I hate that cancer has taken him to soon and hope his wife and four children know how grateful so many of us are for his work and his passion.

He ended this speech with a quote: "Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish"

On days like yesterday, it is easy to think about how fast life goes by, but today the work begins on living the life you still have.

Godspeed Steve Jobs and thank you!

Is It Me?

2011-10-04T17:15:00.000-07:00

I am completely baffled with this blog tonight. I can open the blog on my ipad no problem, on my laptop no problem, on my computer at the office no problem, BUT when I go to open it on my desktop in my kitchen I get a warning that my blog may contain spyware. Mr. G said I should take this as a compliment that my computer thinks I am computer literate to be able to create and load spyware, I tend to agree since I am beyond thrilled when I can remove red eye from a photo. Is anyone else getting this message and how do I fix it or know if it is true on a mac? SO until I can fix this, my witty posts with photos that I planned out today will have to wait.

As a result of this little speedbump I am taking my tervis full of Market Pantry cherry limeade to the sofa to watch Biggest Loser and tackle my Christmas countdown list.

Manic Monday

2011-10-03T17:44:00.000-07:00

Can I say Manic Weekend? The last 4 days have been a blur. All of us got flu shots and both Baby C and Mini K turned into manic sleepers. I realize that virtual dirty looks are being thrown at me right now, but when you are used to your kids being on a schedule to get things done and all they want to do is sleep that posed a problem...you see my work was what else but errands. I can carry Baby C in and out of everywhere but Baby C, Mini K and the dry cleaning, groceries, boxes to ship, well not so much!

We also fast forwarded right through fall this weekend into winter and it seems that Baby C was expecting a flood so we are pant shopping. I am just going to say this, but this weekend was yet another reason that I find shopping for a baby boy depressing. Cargo pants, for what pacifiers, motorcycle pants, complete with zippers and pockets and my favorite sighting in D.C. camo, because if you cannot own a shotgun then you really NEED hunting pants, for an infant.

We ended up with a massive mini Boden order of pants and another box of longsleeve t-shirts to send off to the monogrammer.

The silver lining was the luxury of hours spent on Pinterest and etsy and new Butter nail polish for the fall!

I did manage to get some work done and confirmed that we will be launching some new products just in time for the holidays.

Tonight I will do my weekly routine of going to the grocery store at 9:30pm at night, with my earbuds in, pandora turned on and get everything for the week.

Not a very exciting post, but sometimes being a working mom is crossing things off of your list and one of the blessings is being able to do it with your kids or when they are asleep.

Speaking of making lists...who has a wish list for Christmas and what is on it????

Deals, Discounts and Planning Ahead

2011-09-29T17:16:00.000-07:00

We have gotten so many sweet emails and wanted to say thank you! We know it has been a challenge these last few years to view and order paper from us if you don't live near us or see us at shows and we are so happy to FINALLY be able to make it easy on you!

Since we can't figure out how to have a proper launch party with champagne and macarons via our new paper site, we thought we would have some specials instead!

So if you cannot join us in person for a cocktail you can at least enjoy the party favors!

Launch Party Specials!

20% off all birth announcements

DOUBLE, yes DOUBLE your quantity for FREE on notes, stickers & calling cards

and we saved the BEST one for last:

25% off photo cards AND FREE return address envelope printing or FREE matching return address stickers

We would love to know what is your favorite item on the new site?

I am partial to two:

The peanut...it has been Mini K's nickname since before she was born!

The Monkey...could we call Baby C anything else?

You can shop them all HERE!

Work In Progress

2011-09-27T19:02:00.000-07:00

The Grove started almost 9 years ago in my home. It has grown so much since then. Four years ago, Grove Gal E and I decided to hire a web company to build us a proper home on the web. We loved our logo, it looked great on paper, and stickers, and even better with a bow, but it wasn't on the web (or the WORLD WIDE WEB as my dad still calls it!).

The problem was the site never really worked the way we wanted it to, the way we think people shop. We have tried fixing it, but sometimes you just have to throw it all out and start over. So we are in the process of starting over. I know, I know, not the best time of year for a gift company to have a fresh start, but why should we start being normal now!

So like any smart southern gals, we had a Plan B, or in this case a Plan P for paper. You can still go to our original site and shop our gift items. It will stay just where it is until the new one is complete.

But........

We wanted to launch the new and improved paper site NOW so you can enjoy shopping for your holiday cards and gift stickers without pulling your hair out on our old site.

Let's just call this our second home, we envision it on a beach, with calorie free cocktails and cookie dough, and of course lots of fabulous paper, stickers, invites and photo cards. You of course are our guests and we hope you visit often and tell us what you like so we can make sure it is always in stock!

You can now find us HERE! Please bookmark it so you can find your way back for many visits to come.

Welcome!

Fall Fever

2011-09-25T18:21:00.000-07:00

Well it's officially fall. The past few days have been a whirlwind of client meetings, school field trips, flu shots and closets switches. Throw in some last minute cello bag and bow tying, Baby C's first haircut and prepping for this week and I missed the first official day of fall, or maybe it was our super muggy weather here in D.C.!

Well tomorrow kicks off the holiday trunk show season for the Grove with Rock, Paper, Cocktails! If you are in the D.C. area please come on by for a fun event for a great cause! I promise I will blog photos of our booth.

Tonight I had promised Mini K we would make dinner together...she wanted pasta, her father wanted soup...so we compromised. I must admit it turned out pretty good!

We made Cheese Ravioli Soup

Our ingredients, or the cast of characters as Pioneer Woman calls them were:

1 tablespoon (or so) extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium onion diced

1 green bell pepper diced

3 large carrots diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 28oz can of crushed tomatoes (we used the garlic fire roasted because that is what was in the pantry!)

16oz of chicken broth (or half of one of those boxes from Trader Joe's)

1 1/2 cups HOT water

chopped basil from Mini K's herb garden

1 package of Wegman's fresh 3 cheese mini ravioli

Parmesan cheese

We heated the oil in our Dutch oven and added in the onions, garlic, carrots and green pepper. After a few minutes we added in the broth, crushed tomatoes, hot water, red pepper flakes and basil and left it alone until it was at a rolling boil. We added the ravioli and let it cook for 4 minutes then turned the burner down to low.

We added th cheese to the bowls for as Mini K called it, her presentation. Since she was the chef, the side dishes were cheese crackers and cucumbers without skin.

We had a lot of fun and now I am off to watch the Good Wife before my alarm wakes me up for a 4 mile run!

What did you do this weekend?

Whirlwind Wednesday

2011-09-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

This has been one of those weeks: 7 trips to the doctor, 3 sets of x-rays, 4 stitches, 5 prescriptions, a broken 50" tv (this made Mr G and Mini K wince in pain!) and it is only Wednesday. I know this too shall pass, but that thought never seems to make things less stressful.

I tend to exercise when stressed, which sounds good, but I also shop and bake so really the bad still outweigh the good!

So far I have only placed things in my shopping cart after Baby C and Mini K are in bed and then one of them stirs and I walk away from the computer.

Well the tv should be fixed tonight...the short story is, the next time you hear a man tell a how many women does it take to fix a lightbulb,...you can say at least 1 less than the number of men required to change a lightbulb on a heavy rear projection television! I will be back at the doctor tomorrow morning, followed by Mini K in the afternoon and Baby C on Friday morning.

As I mentioned my silver lining has been virtual shopping and kids Chloraseptic lollipops. Moms go out NOW and stock up before flu and strep throat season start. Mini K is using them for a different reason, but seriously, this is yet another product that I wonder how I ever lived without.

Before the drama started this week I made an appointment with a woman to come clean out my closet and give me my shopping list. I am great about finding 1,000 things I like, but other than shoes and handbags can never follow through with purchasing clothes for myself. I have a hard time with the professional look during the day, dressy casual at night and outfits to play with my kids in. I am pretty sure I could live in Lululemon and handbags and jewelry, but I am pretty sure it would only fly in my head!

So here is what is on my look list this week:

I saw this Juicy sweater on an August day when it was a mere 106 degrees and fell in love! One of my favorite things about winter is pairing a cardigan like this with a button down untucked, leggings and boots or jeans and longsleeve tee with a statement necklace. It's on sale now so I may not wait for the stylist, it might be purchased tonight!

I will be ordering a couple of these kate spade lipsticks this weekend from a friend who works in the Lenox Mall store. I try and order from friends in retail so they can get a commission when I can, and it is not like I need new lipstick at a doctor's appointment.

I always look at the YSL Muse bags, but end up purchasing something else. I keep coming back to this blue color and the HUGE size. Extra-large never seems to bother me when it describes a handbag!

I also promised several of you I would give you my review of the Next clothing I ordered for Mini K. I placed my order on Sunday and it arrived yesterday. The two puffer coats I ordered are ADORABLE. The quality is as good if not better than J.Crew's crewcuts and the price was one-third. I ordered her the red wellies with the ribbon in the back, for less than $30 and they are TOO CUTE. I will let you know how it wears, but so far I am thrilled!

Tailgate With A Purpose

2011-09-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

I don't think I have ever done a blog post like this...I am not talking about our business, my kids, our crazy life, but something we can all DO to help kids that cannot do for themselves. I am asking you to tweet this post, post it to your Facebook page, or do your own blogpost. This is an organization founded out of love and one that I hope succeeds!

Today I learned something new. I have been running with, or I should say behind, Elizabeth early in the morning for the past few months. Elizabeth owns the fabulous The Shoe Hive and her husband is in the message business. They have two adorable kids, in fact Mini K thinks their daughter B is "awesome...for a 4 year old" which is a pretty high compliment.

What I didn't know was that they are also the aunt and uncle to a little boy with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. It is 100% fatal. Can you even imagine knowing that a child you love and adore will be lucky to live to their late twenties and will be in pain? Well four years ago Brad founded Coach to Cure MS and it has gone national and this weekend you can help these children by enjoying your favorite fall sport: college football.

What I knew long before today was that this blog community is powerful and compassionate and I am asking you to consider supporting your favorite team this Saturday, but also to do a blog post about this wonderful organization. We will be supporting this great cause at T.J. Stone's in Alexandria and I hope you will take the time to find an event in your area!

Here is an excerpt of Brad's email...

Four years ago, I started a national charity program with America's college football coaches to honor my little nephew Joel-who is fighting a brutal disorder called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. It took me almost 2 years to get this program adopted and launched in 2008. I almost gave up many times. But now, Coach to Cure MD has grown to meet our wildest dreams--virtually ever college football coach participates.

Big-time coaches like Texas' mack brown, South Carolina's Steve Spurrier, Northwestern's Pat Fitzgerald and Rutgers' Greg Schiano have become passionate advocates.

This weekend is our big national event. You'll see our Coach to Cure MD patches on every coach's arm on the sidelines. Around the country, families fighting Duchenne will hold watch parties in sports bars, tailgate lots, etc to raise money to fund research that could cure our boys.

All of us who are fighting Duchenne are battling a time bomb. Our boys stop walking by the time they are teenagers. Their hearts stop beating in their 20's. It's 100% fatal--unless and until we change it.

To learn more about Coach to Cure MD, to find our if your school is participating or to contribute online click HERE.

Surrounded By Cello

2011-09-18T17:07:00.001-07:00

That pretty much sums up my week and weekend! Four, yes you read that number correctly, kid's birthday parties, crossfit and too many meetings to count have made up my last 5 days.

When I haven't been doing that, I have been getting ready for our PGG holiday show season. Over 300 fabulous products have been bagged and bowed and I cannot wait for show season to begin. Grove Land is quite a sight, and I had planned to share it with you, but my camera cord is in Mr. G's car and that is at the hockey rink!

So tonight I am taking a break from wrapping and prepping this week's dinners and our fall shopping list.

This is the type of week that would have driven me crazy last spring, but somehow (thank you God!), but I couldn't help but think about how much fun so many people will have unwrapping all of the happies I have spent this week wrapping. Our PGG site will be going through an overhaul in the next few weeks so I will be posting some of our non-personalized gifts on the blog. Please email us if you would like to place an order!

How was your weekend?

Kindergarten Lessons on How To Do It All

2011-09-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

I have spent the last two days on travel, for my day job, which means I wasn't able to tuck Mini K and Baby C in last night, or kiss them this morning, or see her off to school. It also means I wasn't able to tackle my outstanding items for PGG, but it means I put on my day job job hat and DID MY JOB...or at least one of them.

I have always traveled for my day job, more before I had kids, but even after I still traveled. There was something different about this trip...Mini K taught me what I consider to be a HUGE lesson.

Before I get to the lesson, I think I need to be honest about why I needed to listen and learn. This summer has been a roller coaster. Pineapple Grove in many ways is my escape. I love finding products that I think will make kids, women and men smile when they unwrap them, I love the thought of someone opening something they secretly wanted but never would purchase for themselves and I love tying anything up with a bow. In so many ways this business is a stress relief, but for the last six months it has felt like a heavy weight that I had to carry.

In these same six months I have seen a lot of posts about how women, mothers tackle their daily juggle. Let me be clear, I am not weighing in to the working mom vs. stay at home mom debate. I personally think everyone has to make their own choice and as women and mothers we owe each other respect. For me, I always knew I would work. I love my job, and love it with an understanding that like me it is not perfect. My day job takes me away from my kids, my spouse and in some ways me, but in the last six months I have felt like PGG is waiting to pounce when I get home to keep me away from them. I made some decisions in early August that I needed boundaries. I needed to remember when to take a timeout and say enough. You (the 3 of you who actually read this!) noticed I took a leave from blogworld. I got organized, I thought about what my family needed, what I needed and I planned. In that timeout I realized that I needed to stop thinking that things could wait until tomorrow, because tomorrow gets overcrowded, that each day needs a plan and that sometimes rules can go out the window.

This leads me to this week. I know this sounds sexist, but I think men can travel for business without the guilt that moms carry with us. In the past, when I travel, Mini K has always said she wished I didn't have to go. Yesterday I packed her lunch, drove her to school and when we pulled up to school I told her to listen and work hard before I walked her into her class. As I was leaving she ran over to me and said "you work hard too Momma so we can have fun when you get back." It hit me, maybe life is really just like school and as adults we just do other things during our recess. Mini K doesn't feel bad when she picks one game over the next at recess, and what can I possibly teach her with my own actions if I feel guilty.

So tonight, our scheduled dinner was thrown out the window, by me, and an unexpected trip to Chick Fil A took its place. A bedtime was pushed back by 15 minutes and we talked about the last two days.

I think everyone can benefit from looking at their own life through the lens of a child, where everything is possible and fresh and filled with excitement. My new schedule may not seem exciting to some: it still involves packing lunches and planning dinners, extreme craziness in the morning rush out the door, but those 3 hours after school, during dinner and the bedtime routine are worth it, they recharge me, and then I can take time away from the tv, for PGG and me. I think I have spent far too much time waiting for others to make my priorities theirs that I stopped making them mine. In reality, the only person to blame is me.

So I will end this post with something Mini K said tonight: her favorite thing to do at school each day is to try something she doesn't know how to do because it is scary exciting. Can you imagine how much we adults could accomplish if that was our goal each day?

Want to try it with me?

Ten Years Later

2011-09-11T16:47:00.000-07:00

I have started this post so many times today and yet haven't finished. Mini K is now old enough to ask Mr G about his friends that didn't make it out of the towers and this year seeing their boys made me realize just how much time has gone by....it still feels like yesterday. I can remember exactly what I was doing, what I was wearing and that I kept the tv on 24/7 for weeks after the attack.

Words like I'm sorry and we will remember seem trivial to me on 9-11, is there anyone who will forget?

For me the anniversary of the next 5 days are one of the many things that make me proud to be an American. We were all witness to a country that came together, that grieved, that celebrated and paid their respects to the ones that died going about their daily life, or running in when most were running out.

For me this day, makes me think of a bullhorn, and a speech and a country that still is a shining beacon of freedom.

God Bless America!

Growing Growing Gone

2011-09-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

Mini K is on a mission to keep our UPS and Fed Ex man gainfully employed. Between her legs and her feet and we will throw in her arms too, she is a growing machine!

One of her new chores this year is to check the mail. Full disclosure...this probably wasn't my smartest parenting decision, because Mini K has turned into a catalog junkie!

The one that caught her eye was Next Direct. It looks like Britain's version of Old Navy, assuming Boden would be the Gap. Does that make any sense?

The prices are beyond reasonable, less than $60 for a 3/4 length girls down jacket and $68 for girls riding boots.

Today I caved and we placed an order. I will let you know how the clothes are in person when they arrive. In the meantime, has anyone ordered from them? Am I setting myself up for a return trip?

Sleep Like A Rock In September

2011-09-07T17:52:00.000-07:00

Now don't get me wrong, I love a good diamond, but I have to say sapphires come in a close second. I was searching for a vintage piece of silver today and came across some stunning September birthstone eye candy today that was much too beautiful not to share!

How beautiful are these two stunners from Lang Antiques?

The rain is falling, the kids are asleep, and I have a stack of new magazines and fully charged iPad to catch up on Pinterest, so off to bed I go knowing that alarm clock is only a few short hours away and a run awaits! I will have sweet dreams tonight thinking blue and yellow thoughts!

Family Traditions

2011-09-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

I'm southern. I believe they are extremely powerful. They are the making of memories and last night we continued one.

My Gammy passed away before she could meet Mini K, yet there are days when I know they have met by the words that come out of Mini K's mouth. I remember being a little girl in her kitchen and listening to her every word. I know many of you did the accent blog so this might sound familiar. EVERY soda in our family was coke. You would say: "I'll have a coke." and someone would respond "what kind?"

I can still see the apron she was wearing when she told me that Coca Cola was actually medicine. I couldn't believe it. She went on to tell me it could cure grumpiness and she would show me how. It was at that very moment when I made my first Coca Cola cake with her. While we were baking she told me that in our family, when there is nothing we can do for someone but pray, that you should make sure they never have to pray on an empty stomach. It sounded odd, but for as long as I can remember everytime we have known someone going through a difficult situation my mother has cooked for them. I guess I just followed in their footsteps.

My good friend K is going through a tough time. I wish I could say it was going to get better, but in reality the emotional struggle lies ahead. She is a strong woman, with two beautiful children and has already had to deal with more than her fair share of loss. So last night, I did what I watched my mother and Gammy before me do. I cooked, or really baked, but this time I had a helper: Mini K. Of course when she saw the bottle of Coke and jar of cocoa come out she insisted that we needed to make two, and so we did. I told her that her Mrs. S was having a rough week and sometimes a little dessert can make a bad day a little sweeter. So we made not one but two cakes and a casserole (stereotypical I know!) and I dropped them off today. I know they can't take away her troubles, but I just hope they tasted okay and allowed her to focus on her family for a few minutes!

I won't post a photo of my Gammy's recipe because it is sitting in a safe deposit box. I put it in there after 9-11. It was one of the few pieces of paper that has been in her hands, my mother's and mine and it will go to Mini K someday. It might just be paper, but to me it is so much more!

Coca Cola Cake

I will say I like to chill my piece, but Mini K LOVES hers at room temperature..

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a retangular pan

Dry Ingredients

2 cups of flour

2 cups of sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

Put the following in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until it boils:

1 cup butter

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup Coca Cola (Gammy always said it tasted better if the Coke came from a bottle instead of a can)

1/2 cup buttermilk

Once it boils, pour it into the dry ingredients and whisk away. Then add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

Pour into the pan and bake for 30 minutes.

When you have about 10 minutes left in the oven make the glaze.

In a saucepan combine:

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup Coca Cola

Once this boils remove it and add 4 cups of powdered sugar.

Take the cake out of the oven and pour the glaze on. Now the tough part: WAIT. In our house this usually lasted about 10 minutes until my grandfather snuck the first piece, always a corner!

You can eat it cold, chilled, room temperature, warm, but be warned...IT IS RICH.

Enjoy!

Labor Day Sale

2011-09-05T05:19:00.001-07:00

Happy Labor Day! We are spending the morning packin gup our seersucker, linen and white jeans and then heading to the pool. Mini K and I had our first candy corn sighting at Target yesterday! Fall is just around the corner!

We wanted to let you know that all of our new products in our ETSY store are 15% off until 11pm EST tonight with code: LABOR15

If you were waiting to monogram your smartphone or iPad, today is the day!

We had a client order this black case for her son at college and she is including a note with it that says "Remember to phone home!"

Here are some of our favorites!

Presents and Presence

2011-09-04T16:26:00.000-07:00

I have thought about writing this post for a long time, but know it will bring out the negative comments, but after hearing Mini K and another little girl talking at the playground today I knew this post would be a reality.

I know many people have stopped sending out paper invitations for kid's ( and frankly any non-milestone birthdays), but it seems the new trend is to state NO GIFTS on the evite, email, etc.

Well, Mini K is 5, she will turn 6 right after Christmas and is joined in that week with my husband. My husband grew up thinking birthdays weren't special...his usually got lost in the bustle of getting out of town for New Year's and to this day can't really remember having a party with more than just family until he went to college. When we found out Mini K would be born in that same week, he had one demand: birthdays are special and are NOT to be combined with Christmas. I agreed.

I grew up thinking birthdays lasted a month and as an adult love to plan birthdays for my kids, my friends and yes even myself. For me it stems from one thing: CANCER. I grew up with a mom that had cancer, and is going through a round of radiation for yet another cancer right now. Birthdays were NOT a given and each year should be celebrated.

Celebrate and presents do not mean the same thing, but of course kids LOVE presents. I would also guess that most parents love a little surprise too....maybe it's a bonus at work, an unexpected gift from their husband, or flowers for no particular reason.

This brings me to the playground. Mini K was swinging and a girl we didn't know got on the swing next to her. She had a birthday party yesterday and proudly announced she just turned 4. Mini K immediately said Happy Birthday, what kind of cake did you have? Remember, Mini K dreams of going to camp at Food Network! The girl said she had cupcakes, but her party was ok. When Mini K asked her why just ok, the little girl said her best friend had told her that she wanted to give her a gift, but her mother wouldn't let her take it to the party, because she didn't want the other moms to get mad since they were supposed to bring gifts.

CAN OF WORMS OPENED...BE WARNED

Here is my unsolicited opinion. If I get an invite to a party, I do NOT feel obligated to bring a gift. I personally think stating no gifts on the invite, means you were expecting one UNLESS you put that on the invite. I bring a gift, because it is a celebration. You, as the host, have gone to a lot of work, effort and expense to make the day special, for yourself, a child, etc and occaisions are worthy of remembering and celebrating. I CHOOSE to bring a gift, because if you matter enough to me, my child, that we want to come to your party, we want to celebrate you!

If you still desire to request NO GIFTS, here are some wording options:

Your presence is the perfect present!

Instead of presents, please plan on leaving with a piece of cake!

I also make Mini K write EVERYONE who comes to her party a thank you note, regardless of if they bring a gift or not, because they made an effort to celebrate with her and that in and of itself is a gift! Years down the road, she will realize this fully.

Here is the thing: a gift does NOT mean spending a ton of money! So here are some of my favorites to give, that won't cost more than $10-15, all of these I put in a cello bag (Michael's sells them and your purchase is 25% off through tomorrow) and tie with a big bow or curling ribbon, LOTS of ribbon as Mini K says.

For A Baby Boy or Girl:

A personalized sippy cup from etsy.

Card Note: Oh What Fun, INSERT NAME is ONE!

For Little Girl

A multi pack of Lip Smackers, opened with 3-5 ring pops. All of these tied in a cello bag and trust me, you will have a happy little girl.

Card Note: Thanks for Letting Me Ring In Your Birthday With You!

For Little Boy

A plastic sand pail, I stock up when they are $1 at CVS or Target, and I will it with a container of gummy worms in a small cell bag, some sidewalk chalk, a pair of wild shoe laces.

Card Note: I really DIG your birthday!

For Tween Girl

Hair ties (look for our new ones coming to the SHOP!), lip gloss (pick your favorite brand, or Justice has some mood changing colors), a nail file, and some fun bubble gum.

Card Note: I filed this day away, hope is shimmers! Happy Birthday

For Tween Boy

Target gift coin. Let me tell you, it doesn't matter how much it is worth, put the coin, in a bag, with cello and tie it with a ribbon and it will be the talk of the party. Presentation is everything.

Card Note: Treasure this year! Happy Birthday!

Grown Male Friend

This takes time, not money. Get matchbooks from all of their favorite bars, retaurants, etc, put them in a mason jar with a lid. Take the time to write them a note about your favorite night out with them or why they are special. If you want to add something else to it, tie a gift card to the jar, but trust me the thought of all of the matchbooks and a sincere note is priceless.

Card Note: Strike a match to another great year!

Grown Girl Friend

So many of my girl friends, don't splurge for themselves so think about what you don't buy yourself. I usually will go to Ulta and stock up on etsy when they are on sale. I do the same thing at CVS for when hair elastics are on sale. I get a couple boxes of their favorite movie candy (they are on sale this week at Target for $1 each!), a couple of Essie polishes, some ponytail holders all in a bag with ribbon and it has never failed.

Card Note: I am so thankful for a friend that I can hang out with and know I won't be judged! If you want to add a giftcard for movie tickets you can.

I promise the next time I give these gifts I will post photos!

I am not judging people who send out the NO GIFTS PLEASE, but know that Mini K's favorite part of going to a party is picking out the present and helping me wrap it.

I have also seen some invites worded that

New Month, New Products!

2011-09-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned that Grove Gal E and I have been working on a new line. Well we are excited to tell you that today is the day! Pineapple Grove Gifts is so excited to announce that we will be designing and manufacturing our own exclusive line of silicone smartphone and ipad covers!

When the Grove started we had two simple goals:

1. to help busy people give a gift that they would be proud to receive...some of you purchase on our website, some of you leave us voicemails at midnight and have a gift wrapped and in your hands by 9am the next day and some of you we have never met, but feel like we know everyone on your list after our email shopping dates!

2. have fun

What better way than to kick off our new line than by sharing it with all of you! For every 250 fans we get on Facebook we will be giving away a iPad or smartphone cover of your choice! So if you haven't "liked" us on Facebook, please do so, and if you repost our site on your Facebook page we will enter you twice! You can find us HERE.

Well somewhere along the way we realized that we were searching for things and coming up empty handed. I know my blog posts have been spotty this summer, but I am proud to show you what we have been working on! Both of us noticed that while we love our printed monogrammed hard phone cases, they tended to skip across the hard floor when dropped like stones on water. Mini K and Baby C are keeping Apple's glass replacement center in business! I noticed that my day job blackberry, in its boring PLAIN case never skidded.

So we got to work and we hope you love our new products as much as we do! Smartphones covers that have your own style but can go from the the boardroom to your handbag and anywhere in between! We also have designs for the men in your life so get your gift lists out. They make a statment while keeping the focus on you! Our silicone cases are designed to fit iphones and blackberries and our ipad cases will still allow your ipad to slide into our neoprene ipad cases. We know there has been talk on twitter about the prints on certain brands rubbing off. That will not happen with our cases as the design is ENGRAVED into the silicone.

Our smartphone cases fit the following models:

iPhone

3G/GS

Blackberry

Bold 9000

Tour 9630

Curve 8300

Storm

Curve 8900

All models can be engraved in your choice of fonts:

Our iPad cases, custom designed to fit the iPad 1st of 2nd Generation

Modern

Classic

Personalized

Affordable

You can shop our entire collection HERE or email us at grovegifts@gmail.com to order!

We hope you like these as much as we do!

Everyone Deserves A Treat

2011-08-31T17:38:00.000-07:00

For those of you that live in D.C., or within driving distance, Grove Gal E and I will not be responsible for your caloric consumption. For those of you who don't live near, I don't think it is possible to gain weight from simply looking at a photo, but you may notice your Fed Ex or UPS man "taste testing" your boxes.

A couple of days ago I mentioned that back to school time always leaves me thinking of fresh starts, or in this case a sweet fresh start. My friend Erica is amazing...for starters, she is stunning, tall, thin, perfect curly hair (I consider myself an expert on perfect curly hair, because I have spent a small fortune making imperfect curly hair straight!), a Notre Dame law school grad, amazing mom and now business owner!

If she can go from learning to play tennis to being captain of our club team in a year, you can imagine how successful her latest venture will be: let me introduce you to Treats By Erica.

Mini K can spot one of her marshmallow pops at 100ft, and Mr. G will pick one of her bon bons over any chocolate store, but my downfall, and ladies, let me tell you, these are worth every single extra minute on the treadmill: her chocolate covered pretzels!

If you want to see more photos of her sweets you can find her on Facebook right HERE.

She makes everything herself, and puts so much effort into every last detail, from the pink label, to emailing you to get things just right. She will ship and if you are lucky enough to live here, she will deliver! Her treats make great favors and I have been known to show up with dessert trays as hostess gifts! The best part is unlike many bakeries, Erica doesn't make you order 3 dozen of anything and will work with you to create the perfect treat package for you.

So the next time you need to send a little sugar to your college student, friend or just want an indulgence, consider yourselves introduced to Erica!

First Day

2011-08-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

What is it about the first day? We all must be born with something that makes us excited for the first day of school, of camp, of college of a new job. As a child it is 100% excitement, as an adult it can be mixed with a little nerves to keep us humble.

Today was a first: the first day of kindergarten for Mini K. She woke up no less than 3 times last night asking if she could put on her dress and backpack. Finally, I said yes, and after a quick (read inhaled) breakfast, we were off to school. She has a few new kids in her class, but most of them have been in class together since they were 3 so it was more like a reunion. She signed in, whispered to me that I could only take "a few" photos and went to her assigned seat. Her smile said it all.

When I picked her up, the same smile was there. Today was yet another lesson, taught by a 5 year old. On the way home she said today was amazing, because she learned new things with her friends. I stopped and wondered if anything I did today brought me as much joy as her first day of school...what popped into my head was a quote I have seen often, and would love to cite, but I have no idea who said it, but I think all of us owe this unknown to me person a thank you...it goes something like this: We should all be so lucky to be able to do for a living what we find ourselves doing when we are putting off our work. For me it is PGG, for Mini K, it was exactly how she spent her day. My wish for my daughter is that never changes!

Back To School Teacher Gifts

2011-08-29T17:16:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is Mini K's first day of kindergarten and we are all beyond excited with the teacher and teacher's assistant she was assigned. If that wasn't enough, her two best friends are in her class and there is NO REST time in kindergarten. I am pretty sure this is the 5 year old equivalent of being told you can walk out of Bergdorf's with new shoes, a Verdura ring and all the Goyard you can carry!

I always like to take a little something for the teacher and assistant on the first day. They work so hard getting the classrooom ready and deserve a special treat. I try to think of something that Mini K and I can do together. I altered a teacher appreciation week candy gram idea I saw on Eighteen25.

I purchased the plastic paint can at Michael's and picked upt he candy at our local CVS.

We added and changed the original wording so it reflected the start and not end of the school year.

For the aide in her classroom, we filled one of PGG's fabulous double insulated 24oz cups with individual packets of Crystal Light and added a scallop punched note that says:

I am so excited you will be the kindergarten "ade"!

Mini K cannot wait to take them into school.

Last year we made a Sharpie bouquet. I let her pick out about 12 sharpies at staples and we wrapped them in grosgrain ribbon and put them in a mint julep cup with a card that said: "Teachers are just like Sharpies, they leave a permanent mark!"

You can always fill a chinese takeout box with mints, gum and other treats with a note that says: " I am so FORTUNE-ATE to have you as my teacher!"

Or a coffee tumbler with some Starbucks instant coffee packets and a note that says: "I PERKED right up when I heard you were my teacher!"

All of these ideas are somuch fun to put together with your little one and don't take a lot of time, which is great for working moms like me!

Bye Bye Irene

2011-08-28T18:12:00.001-07:00

This past week has been one of ups and downs. On Tuesday, D.C experienced what I thankfully call an earthquake. After being in this city on 9-11, I can tell you that when most of us felt that rumble, our first thought was terrorist attack not earthquake. I am sure all of you California natives think we over reacted, but after 9-11, we think a building has been hit when we feel a jarring motion like that.

As soon as the earthquake stopped, the news reports of Irene's impending arrival started. I prepared for the hurricane, by having coffee with Landlocked Mermaid, a trip to the liquor store and making sure all of our electronic devices were fully charged. Mr. G was in charge of the generator. I will never understand why people panic and buy milk at the grocery store when the news says you might lose power. Who wants to drink milk from a non-working fridge?

This picture made me laugh as it sums up what most people thought of the hurricane. They prepared for it on the outside, but didn't really think it would amount to much. This time, we were blessed and it was just a lot of rain and short bursts of wind.

Photo from MSNBC

Well Irene came, and if you weren't watching the news you might have thought it was just a severe storm. In fact the thunderstorm we had last summer did more damage than Irene. Thankfully, we didn't lose power, but more than a few trees in our neighborhood came down.

Tomorrow is Mini K's last day before school starts. We are going to put the finishing touches on our welcome gifts for her teacher, layout her chosen outfit, pack her monogrammed backpack and write out her lunch schedule for the week. I promise to do a post on our back to school gifts, but tonight I need to write our all about Mini K letter for her teacher. This is yet another great idea from my mother. She said until I was old enough to reach, write and fully communicate she would write a letter to the teacher on the first day about me. Essentially, how to tell if I wasn't feeling well, because I wouldn't say anything (Mini K is the same way), to make sure I ate my fruit not just my veggies, etc. I have done this every year since Mini K started school and every year her teachers tell me it is helpful.

It has been years since I have had a first day of school, but I always think of the year in semesters and fall, for me, is always the season of fresh starts and new choices. I am starting this "school year" off with my new 6am running schedule and so thankful that I have a running partner to catch up too, it will make be better and hold me accountable, and a new straight head of hair thanks to today's Brazilian Blowout.

I hope none of you experienced any damaged from Irene and those of you in the South, I hope September brings a temperature that is only 2 and not 3 degrees. I am off to tackle the unpacking of the fall clothes and the start of another season of ebay listing!

Night.

Summer's Walking Away...Be Back Soon

2011-08-24T17:31:00.000-07:00

Mini K starts kindergarten in less than a week and I feel like this summer has flown by...you can probably guess I have lost track of time due to my lack of posts!

Our summer highlights have included:

The birth of our good friends' son and promotion to Big Sister for his sister

Mini K & Mr. G's first roadtrip solo

Watching Baby C take his first steps, followed by his first fall

Mini K take the scissors to her hair which resulted in a very short bob for this school year and her constant inquiries as to why a girls hairstyle is called a boys name (I have no answer)

Watching Mini K jump up and down when she opened a letter from her new kindergarten teacher (the one she prayed she would get all summer) and finding out her best friend Abby is in her class...more jumping and screaming

Starting my running back up with a new partner that is faster andholds me accountable...at 6am

Feeling like I am back in school the moment I put on my new Tory Burch loafers, BUY THEM, they are the shoe fountain of youth or remembrance

Being relieved that it was only an earthquake in D.C. and not a terrorist attack

But most of all, this summer I tried to step back and enjoy and photograph ALL of the moments and I am so happy I did.

I hope you will come back next Monday, as I promise to be back to regular posting, and I cannot wait to share some of my new finds and Grove Gal E's and mine's latest venture with all of you!

Until then, hug your loved ones a little bit tighter, write an ACTUAL letter to a friend, put a stamp on it and mail it and buy some crayons, smell them and remember your first day of school and donate them to a school supply drive so another child can start the year with a sense of wonder as it is PRICELESS!

Back To School Prep

2011-08-06T06:09:00.000-07:00

I decided to throw all of my energy into my to-do list. With Mini K's first day of school less than a month away, it is a long one.

Her big decision every year is picking out her backpack and lunchbox. The older she gets, the more memories it brings back of doing that same task.

While she always picks, I always steer her towards the Garnet Hill catalog. Their backpacks hold up and they always run a great August special: a FREE lunchbox with every backpack order....not to mention I still haven't figured our while Pottery Barn Kids really only offers a full name on their backpacks. Seriously, every child safety expert tells parents whatever you do, do NOT put a kid's name on their backpacks, coats, etc because it gives strangers too much personal information about your child.

So kindergarten will be the year of the peace signs for Mini K!

I had Garnet Hill monogram the lunch box for only $6, but I always take the backpack to Chase Moon Designs inside the Purple Goose for its monogram. Garnet Hill monograms the backpack the same size as the lunchbox and that is just too small for my taste.

Chase on the other hand, might be a Texan at heart, because she knows the Bigger is Better rule!

For those of you not in the D.C. area you can find Chase Moon at her etsy store and she does ship! A few friends have had items ship directly to her and she ships them right out! If you are in D.C. head on over to her store inside of The Purple Goose...as the entire summer collection (clothes AND shoes) are 50% off!

Next on the list...new running and tennis shoes for me! It's tax free weekend here after all!

Reality Bites

2011-08-04T16:54:00.000-07:00

In this case I wish I was talking about the movie, but it is real life. My mother ushered in another birthday with some rather bleak news from the doctor and let's just say it has been tough to swallow. I apologize for not posting, but gifts and paper have seem a bit trivial to me lately.

That is until one of mother's friends who I didn't realize read this blog, told her I had gone "missing". Let's just say this 36 got a talking to...so here I am.

We received our prototypes in today and I am quite pleased with how they turned out. Leave it to a 5 year who thinks she needs her own iphone and ipad to help me design our first product! They will soon be for sale on both the PGG site and our soon to open etsy site! We have been selling great products designed by others for so long, and still will carry all of them, but these new products are designed and made by us!

Thankfully, I am hosting my annual Kate and Libby trunk show this week which will keep my brain busy! I love their fall line...how can you not love a reversible, monogrammed fleece vest?

SO here is my question....what are you looking forward to this fall?

Time Is Money

2011-07-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

I have been running in the mornings with a friend who is MUCH faster than I am. I would like to claim, it has made me faster, I cannot, but it has made me GET UP. One of the things we talk about is the juggle...two kids, running a business, not sleeping and shopping.

It got me thinking about how many times I have heard my father say time is money. As a working mom I must say that is true. When I started this I promised I would be honest...and sometimes the juggle, well it is NOT pretty.

I cannot claim to have found some magic wand that allows you to add hours to your day, but I have found some tricks that help save time and actually bring in a little money. My theory is found money is treat money.

Some of these might be new to you and I bet a lot of you are more organized than me and much better ideas. PLEASE feel free to leave a comment and share them, because all of us could use a little more time at the spa!

I should say I am not a coupon clipper so these are my ways of getting more for my dollars that I would spend anyway.

Kids

Zulily

If you aren't a member sign up HERE RIGHT NOW!

This is always on my check daily list. You can find smocking by Vive leFete (same brand carried by Neimans and Ragsland) for at least 50% off and then you can use Mr. Rebates to save even more! It is also a great resource to stock up on kids gifts and stocking stuffers.

Totsy

This is like Zulily, but the brands I would say are less classic, more trendy and I don't think the discounts are as deep. Right now they have a great sale on customized children's books with your favorite sports teams and schools.

You can sign up HERE.

Cash Back Sites

There are 2 I use for different stores. Both only ask for your name and address (to mail you your money!) so no worries about having to enter in your credit cards.

Ebates

This is probably the most well known, and I use it, but it has lost some stores recently.

Are you a Wal-Mart( 2% cash back) or Home Depot (3% cash back) regular? You can purchase all of your items online and select the pick up at store option. No impulse buying and cash back.

Nordstroms (3% cash back) and Horchow (3% cash back) are 2 other regulars. Monogrammed white Ralph Lauren towels for $9.99...in bulk!

Tory Burch, you can pretend those Revas are on sale with 3.5% cash back!

Photos sites: Snapfish will get you 16% cash back and Shutterfly will get you 8% cash back...even if you pick up your prints at Walgreens or Target!

And Boden and miniBoden...yep 3% cash back.

Diapers.com and Soap.com are on there too!

You can sign up HERE.

Mr. Rebates

I have only been using this one for a short time and opened it up because some of the sites I shop from most switched over to it.

You can sign up HERE.

Tory Burch will you 5% cash back on Mr. Rebates

Zulily will get you 5% cash back.

Boden will get you 4% cash back

Kate Spade 3% cash back

Hanna Anderson 3% cash back

General Gift

Heartsy

Heartsy is one of my new finds. It is a flashsale site with a twist. The sales last for days not hours and it combines discount prices with etsy or etsy like products.

You can see today's deals HERE.

Currently, they have a great deal or the boys and girls on your gift list.

For the girls: Piggy Paint, the all natural nail polish and remover. I stocked up so I have them on hand for last minute gifts or to add to a gift basket.

For the boys: Crayon Rocks, crayons that look like rocks and come in an adorable muslin sack. Add them to some superhero or Mickey Mouse coloring books and tie with a bow or purchase now in case Santa needs to "borrow" a few stocking stuffers!

They also have a great deal running on one of my MUST HAVE toddler/baby items, the Pura bottle or sippy cup. This is one of those products I wish would have been around when Mini K was a baby, but Baby C is enjoying it...daily!

Plum District

This is like a Groupon type site, but you are purchasing gift certificates or actual items. You can select a specific city, nationwide or any combo. I get the deals for the places we go the most: nationwide, Dallas, Washington, D.C. and NYC.

You can sign up HERE.

The Bees Knees

2011-07-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

It is one of my favorite Lilly Pulitzer prints and it is also the name of my friend's new company. What does a protocol expert do after she has twin boys and her life of formal events, international visitors and champagne has been replaced with rumble, Jon Jons and the sound of breaking objects? Well like any smart girl she surrounds herself with beauty and in this case makes it herself.

After seeing her designs I had to share the Bees Knees with you!

Kara has designed a stunning line of handstamped sterling jewelry that both Mini K and I adore. I love that she even has pieces that benefit Autism research. Her etsy store is stocked of unique designs that she will customize to fit.

I am always a sucker for packaging and fell in love with her natural giftboxes and what else but BEE ribbon. She sent us, I say us because Mini K thinks it is for HER, a necklace with a K, a pearl and tiny key. LOVE it! The necklace would be perfect for any girls on your list that rush Kappa this fall, for a new home or just because.

And in case you wanted to pick up a little something for yourself, or start your holiday shopping early, Kara is offering 10% off your first purchase with code:BeesGG

Here are some of my favorites:

Perfect for a Gammy or Nanna to wear at the beach and keep all of her grandbabies close

I love the silk cord for the little Minnies in my life

Heat Wave Sale!

2011-07-21T16:54:00.000-07:00

It's 105 today...which means I have pretty much sealed myself inside with the AC other than my daily trip to Crossfit!

So I thought why not have a sale...

50% off ALL in stock Lilly Pulitzer Merchandise!!!

Just leave a comment on the blog or Facebook with what you are looking for or would like to order and we will send you an invoice. We have most patterns in stock!

Take 50% off the prices below!!

iPad Cover (fits 1st generation) $29.95

iPhone Covers $19.95

Bracelets $9.95

Watch Sets $19.95

Notebooks $9.95-$12.95

Tumblers $19.95

Sticker Books $16.95

Pom Poms $14.95

Enclosure Card Sets $16.95

Highlighters and Pencil Sets $10.95

Pens $19.95

Cool off with a little pink and green! The watch sets and tumblers would be great to buy now and give as birthday or teacher gifts later and doesn't every phone need a new outfit?

So fill up your glass with something cold and make your shopping list!

dog days of summer....or their impending arrival have kept me away. this summer has flown by and I catch myself thinking no one on their deathbed says they wished their life would have gone by faster. so I have spent the past couple of weeks being amazed and in awe of my kids: each new days is an opportunity, setbacks are temporary and laughter, popsicles and smiles are abundant. other than that my time has gone to processor orders, my day job and my new early morning runs. I will confess I also wondered if this blog had any value...what I realized is it has value to me...it helps keep me grounded and to be honest forces me to see all sides..the good, bad and all of the insanity of being a wife, mom, business owner, shopper and friends. it isn't always pretty, but I give it my all. tomorrow I will tackle the back stock room so get ready for some 50% off deals!

2011-07-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

Summer Favorites

2011-07-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

A Beach Read

If you haven't read Elin Hildebrand's books, go to Amazon right now! If you cannot get to Nantucket, they are the next best thing. The only downside of her books is the fact that once you start one it is extremely difficult to put it down!

Dresses

I know summer is short season, but I love putting a dress on, some sandals and a pair of earrings and I am good to go for a day of errands, brunch or anything else! Kate Spade has some great ones this year and right now everything on sale is an additional 25% off.

Running Coach

Yes I know it is a watch, but this is my new obsession. I tried on this one and the Garmin and the Garmin just felt too big and I haven't regretted my decision. I now know exactly how far I run and how fast or slow I go depending on the day.

Sunscreen

I am a sunscreen freak...I wear it everyday on any part of my body that the sun can see. I had skin cancer 12 years ago and am determined that I will not have it again. I love Kiehl's lotion with sunscreen for my arms and legs and this summer I have become a fan of Obagi's sun shield.

What are your favorite summer must haves?

Happy 4th!

2011-07-04T19:03:00.000-07:00

Let's just say that this year Mini K needed a little prodding to celebrate what used to be her favorite holiday. She announced this morning that if it wasn't for George Washington she would get to live in the same country as Princess Catherine. Can you imagine how that went over with my history buff husband? I will give you a hint...it involved a discussion about the Boston Tea Party. Mini K responded by asking if the tea was Sweet Tea?

A redirect of the conversation and we were off to the annual water balloon & egg toss at the club followed by a diet of snow cones. Mini K and Baby C sported their Kate and Libby swimsuits in red, white and blue of course!

I would post some photos, but that would mean I knew what I did the camera cord...hmmmmmm...cleaning seemed like a good idea at the time!

The kiddos are now fast asleep and I have caught up on email and work and can plan out the week. We are adding a bunch of new products to the Grove this week, our prototypes should arrive and I am testing out some new recipes, which I promise to share and photograph.

Keeping It Real

2011-07-02T05:46:00.001-07:00

Clearly it has been awhile since I have posted. I DON'T have vacation story to share or some big news...it has just been a crazy time and spending time with Baby C and Mini K ranked higher.

I had a moment this week where I realized how fast time is flying! There are only 5 months until Mini K turns 6, which also means 5 months until Christmas! July 1st didn't hit me so much as Mini K putting on a dress yesterday that used to go to the middle of her knees and now looks more like a shirt that is a little too long. Couple that with having to buy her a pair of size 1.5 shoes and the realization that a kids size 2 and women's size 5 are pretty much the same thing and I am left wondering where did my little girl go.

So for the past week I have felt like freezing everything...trying to soak it all in, well everything except the laundry! A friend once told me when life seems a little overwelming to STOP and focus solely on one little thing at a time and you know what it works.

If you follow me on twitter than you know that Baby C has had balance issues due to his ear problems. Well this week, two weeks after his surgery, he took his first steps! Honestly, we think he was more focused on grabbing the oreo chocolate chip cookie out of Mini K's hands and didn't even realize he was walking, because as soon as he grabbed it he sat right down to eat!

I know so many of you blog daily, but there are days, or weeks, that I just don't see how an endless to do list is worth reading. Grove Gal E and I are ALMOST finished on a new product, one we designed and will make and are so excited. This blog isn't so much about the products that we sell, but how the juggle of motherhood, my life and career and my little Grove come together, and sometimes, from the outside looking in, it probably looks like a tornado, but I love it and wouldn't change a thing!

So we are starting the holiday weekend off with Mini K and her tennis racquet pretending she is part of Wimbledon in front of the tv, Mr. G hosing down Baby C's highchair outside and I am off to take Baby C to the farmer's market.

Have a great Saturday and remember to take it all in, because you can only live this day once!

DEAL ALERT: For all of you in the military in the D.C. area I want to share one deal with you: The Purple Goose on Mt. Vernon Avenue in Alexandria is offering 50% all clothing and shoes and 30% off all accessories with a military id.

Instant Caffiene Boost

2011-06-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

It's calorie free

Takes away morning eyes

Makes it okay if you forget to put on makeup before you leave the house

Saves you time

It sounds to good to be true doesn't it? I thought so, but couldn't resist trying it and I have ZERO regrets!

It is Lashdip and I couldn't be happier. Our good friends Brian and Amy just opened up Nectar Skin Bar in D.C. and are the only spa in town offering Lashdip. Now before I tell you about Lashdip can I just say if you are in the D.C., Virginia or Maryland area, head on over to Nectar...the store is stunning, the treatment rooms peaceful and it is packed with the most amazing products. I picked up a tweezerman baby manicure set to keep in my car for when Baby C decides to get a case of the scratches. I could have shopped longer, but it was time for my appointment and it didn't disappoint.

The Lashdip site describes the service as:

"Dipping" your lashes just once allows you to maintain gorgeous, beautifully sculpted, semi-permanent painted lashes for up to six weeks!

♦ Low Maintenance, High Style
♦ Wake Up Beautiful
♦ Cut Your Makeup Routine In Half
♦ No Hassling With Mascara
♦ Shower, Swim, Sweat

It took about an hour to apply the Lashdip and I needed to keep my eyes dry for 4 hours after the application (thankfully no rain!) and when I woke up this morning (LATE!) I couldn't believe how my eyelashes worked.

I promise to take a photo, but I am sold. I have dark lashes to start with, but mascara and I have a longstanding war that I am the constant loser in. Waterproof is never waterproof or sweatproof and my eyes look like they have a case of the clumps. Not anymore...I now have long lashes, no clumps and don't have to worry about them for over a month. I threw on some concealer and lip gloss and was out the door in 10 minutes.

Did I mention, you get $50 off your first "dip" at Nectar. Does it get any better than looking well rested AND saving money?

Seriously ladies, find a Lashdip spa in your area! Less makeup equals more sleep!

Summer Is Too Short To Do Dishes

2011-06-21T16:52:00.000-07:00

Summer is officially here! I had the not so bright idea to kick it off with a 30 Paleo Diet Challenge...no one said I was smart!

Summer is also the season of visits with friends and family, backyard parties and entertaining galore. I love selecting a menu (well before the Paleo challenge!), cooking, seeing or visiting friends, but the clean up...not so much.

Grove Gal E feels the same way so we have been on a hunt for the past year for high quality personalized styrofoam cups (yes I know environmentalists hate them!), because ladies don't sweat and this includes their beverage of choice!

We are happy to report we have found a supplier that passes our test and the prices are great too! The cups come in sizes ranging from 4oz to 32oz and you can pick your favorite size, monogram style and color.

50 Cups are $48 and the more you order the better the price. We think they are the perfect gift to when visiting friends houses, for your next family reunion, for a housewarming or a send off for your favorite college student...and don't forget yourself. You deserve to take a break from all those dirty glasses!

We are working to get these on our website, but for now email us at grovegifts@gmail.com and we will be happy to help you with your selections and ordering.

Cheers!

Smoked Chicken Salad Dip

2011-06-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

If you thought I was going to post a recipe think again. Mini K has been talking NONSTOP about this dish and her desire to make it.

There is one problem...actually make that 2:

1. I have NO CLUE where she ever ate this and don't think I have had it myself (it does sound good)

2. Cannot find a recipe for it online anywhere

So instead we made turkey and brie turnovers, homemade macaroni salad and have an apple crisp all ready to go in the oven for Father's Day lunch.

I find this entire search quite funny as each day Mini K says she wants to be a chef no less than 5 times!

I know so many of you have exciting Saturday night plans, but brace yourselves you might want to cancel them to join me...

I have a date with roughly 500 torn out magazine pages, some dividers and some pink and green 3-ring binders and 3 bags of Lilly Pulitzer, Mini Boden and Pink Chicken to photograph so I can list on ebay on Monday evening.. Organization will be mine tonight!

While I do love Pinterest, there is something about a magazine that I never will be able to fully embrace online only. Mr. G makes fun of me because I have a wedding binder...that I started AFTER we got married, but then again I do introduce him as my first husband. KIDDING. Mini K will have a library to go through by the time she gets married, and if Mr. G figures out a way to hire SEAL Team 6 to accompany her to college and guard her until she is 40, I might need to rent a building to hold all of the binders!

Happy Saturday!

Our Cup Is Full

2011-06-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

So sorry I haven't posted in almost a week. THANK YOU so much for all of your thoughts, prayers and emails. Baby C's surgery was yesterday and while there were some surprises, he was so strong and is feeling so much better.

We thought it would be a simple surgery, tubes in, ear infections gone, but it seems Baby C isn't clumsy, he has had severe vertigo his entire life. Our amazing surgeon drained his ears, nose and sinuses and Baby C's little body had 8oz of let's just say gunk in them. To make matters worse, the gunk was highly infected so it made coming out of the anesthesia a little rough.

I wish I would have had my camera, but I never think about taking them to the hospital for surgeries, only to capture photos of a sweet new baby! When he came to, he shook his head and gave us the biggest smile. He hasn't stopped moving sense. He is no longer clumsy, just on the move. Poor thing has had that stuff in his head his entire life. They now think the same gunk just kept getting reinfected.

We have some smelly (really smelly) ear drops and some extra strength pain meds for the next 2 days, but otherwise are back to a new pain free normal for our little guy.

I always go into nesting, cooking overdrive before surgery. I did it with Mini K and I did the same thing this past weekend. I also don't really sleep so I have been emailing so many of you some of my middle of the night finds. I promise to share all with you over the next few days.

But now, everyone but Mr. G is asleep, and he has promised to keep the yelling at Game 7 of the Stanley Cup to a low voice so I am going to sleep!

Yes I Know This Is Weird

2011-06-09T18:14:00.000-07:00

This is something that after years of firendship Grove Gal E just accepts from me. I plan ahead. I usually start planning as one thing is ending.

In this case, it was Mini K's last week of school and the arrival of my gold momagenda for next year. All of our teacher gifts are wrapped and ready to take to school tomorrow. I let Mini K pick these out every year and then I try to think of something clever to say on the card. This year she wanted to give monogrammed ribbon key fobs...so I tied them up with with a key shaped card that said: thanks for being the key to a great year!. We put them in cello bags with some candy and a starbucks keychain giftcard and tied them with some matching ribbon.

I have spent the rest of my week getting ready for Mini K's ballet recital on Saturday (flowers ordered & hairspray purchased!), charging the camera and organizing all of my magazine clippings so I am ready to meet with our architect tomorrow. My mom always surprised me with a gift on the last day of school and in her typical organized fashion she kept a list of what she gave me each year. She found the list last year while she was recovering and mailed it to me as proof that I did inherit my list making penchant from her. The scary thing...I have given Mini K almost exactly what she gave me for the last 2 years. Tomorrow she is getting a ladybug charm bracelet. Her favorite thing this year has been science and she has loved learning the names of insects and plants. I cannot wait to give it to her.

The big surprise is my mom is finally strong enough to travel and cleared from her radiation treatments! We are so thankful she is getting stronger and cannot wait for her to arrive tomorrow...Mini K has no idea and will be so excited!

So this brings me to my planning and the photo on this post....tonight I am starting my Christmas gift list. I do this every year and my goal is always to have my shopping finished by September not including teacher's gifts. I also try and pick out my hostess gifts for the holiday season and get them ordered so I have them ready to go. I always think there are so many good sales over the summer that I might as well take advantage of them and cross things off my list!

What can I say, I am a planner...I wonder if I can blame this on my love affair with school supplies as a child?

Sprint to the Finish

2011-06-05T19:09:00.000-07:00

I am still in denial that tonight is Sunday night. This weekend flew by. One of my best friends from college was in town this weekend with her husband.

Baby C tried to keep up with his sister on Friday night and as you can see, it didn't end well for him, it was quiet for us!

On Saturday we went to the Kenny Chesney concert. Needless to say, it was an unbelievable experience watching the show from the wings backstage. We had the best time and the perfect weather. The one thing you couldn't help but notice, his entire team, assistants, the band, etc all were southern and truly seemed to get along and like each other.

Tonight I am getting things ready for school, because tomorrow starts Mini K's last official week in Pre-K. This year has flown by and I still cannot believe my first born will be in kindergarten next year. I start a file every September. In September the file is empty, but during the school year I fill it with her art projects I want to keep, cards she has given me, schoolwork, class pictures and all of the funny things she says that I write down on little scraps of paper. I am not really a scrapbooking type, but this year I did purchase the Momagenda School Years book, personalized with her name of course, and brace yourselves, in green NOT pink. It is a deal at $32! Tonight I put everything in the pre-k section of the book. I will add the last day of school in front of the front door photo I always take and I now have an empty folder, waiting to be filled up in KINDERGARTEN!

I cannot tell you how much I love this book! It is a great price and only $4.95 to have personalized. If you spend $45 you can get free shipping with code: SHIP2011 and you can save 10% on your purchase with THIS LINK.

I also ordered my momagenda for next year in the soft gold and need to start filling it with summer schedules and next years dates.

Weekend Prep

2011-06-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

Grove Gal E and I had a trunk show last night so the week has been a bit crazed! It was so much fun to share our products with our friends. We spent today making sure everyone's orders were wrapped and ready for the last day of school teacher gifts and camp care packages.

I can now focus on tomorrow. One of my dearest friends from college is coming to town, and tomorrow is her birthday! We are so excited to spend the weekend with her and her husband. I know she won't read this before she arrives in D.C. so she won't know that I am preparing a basket to leave at her hotel of all of her favorite D.C. items that she cannot get in Pittsburgh!

This Colossal Happy Birthday Cupcake from Crumbs being one of them!

On Saturday, Grove Gal E and I will be making our first of many trips to Nectar Skin Bar. Nectar has its Grand Opening on Saturday and is owned by a friend of ours. I think we are still in shock that he is opening a skin bar, but we couldn't be happier for him. You don't really have to twist our arms to purchase makeup, lotion and other goodies. If you live in D.C., or are planning to visit, please put Nectar Skin Bar on your shopping list!

Clean Slate Bars

2011-05-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

I keep meaning to share this recipe with you. It is a working mom's dream: one bowl, endless options.

2 sticks of butter melted

2 cups brown sugar (light or dark or one of ech)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 eggs

2 cups of flours

1- 9x12 greased pan

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and mix all ingredients in a bowl. Bake for 30-35 minutes.

Variations:

add mini m&ms, Heath bar bits, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, pecans, or anything else you wish

Mini K and I make these every week (we cut the recipe in half) and she takes one to school in her lunchbox. I love that she has something homemade instead of processed and that we make them together.

Enjoy!

We Remember

2011-05-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

Image from outontheporch.org

We drove by Arlington National Cemetery yesterday just like we do every single day. Mini K knows it is a cemetery for soldiers...and all soldiers are heroes. Memorial Day weekend is like no other in Washington, D.C. due to the motorcyclists. They all park at the Pentagon.

We pass the Pentagon on the way home just after we pass Arlington. Yesterday Mini K asked if all of the motorcyclists were there to say thank you. We told her they were infact there to say thank you. Her response was so simple yet so powerful, heaven has the best soldiers anywhere.

So today on Memorial Day, before you head to the pool, the beach or wherever you are going, remember you are able to go there in freedom and peace because someone paid the ultimate sacrifice for you..without knowing you, but believing in you.

Thank you to all of the men and women in uniform who have served and are serving our country and to their families. We are grateful and humbled by your service!

Memorial Day Madness

2011-05-26T20:39:00.001-07:00

The Friday of Memorial Day weekend marks the opening of many pools for the summer. We are taking Mini K and baby C to Arlington Cemetary on Memorial Day to see lay flowers at my two great uncles who are buried there, but will also be at the pool this weekend.

So we thought why not help you save a little money (and time!) this weekend.

ALL of our in stock Lilly Pulitzer items are 20% off! If you have had your eye on a sailor bracelet, sunglass strap, koozie, insulated cooler or anything else...now is your chance!

Diaries Reg Price $14.50 SALE $11.60

Silicone iPad Covers Reg Price: $29.50 SALE: $23.60

Koozies Reg Price $5 SALE: $4

Notecube with Pen Reg Price: $15.50 SALE: $12.40

Sunglass Strap Reg Price: $8.50 SALE: $6.80

Sailor Bracelets Reg Price: $9.50 SALE: $7.60

Insulated Cooler Reg Price: $29.50 SALE: $23.60

Insulated Travel Mug Reg Price: $14.50 SALE: $11.60

We also have highlighters, pencil sets, small notebooks, iphone covers, baby buckets, watch sets, pens and lunch totes in stock and 20% off! Just email us for patterns at grovegifts@gmail.com

Clean Up

2011-05-26T18:27:00.000-07:00

Mini K has the day off tomorrow so today is our Friday....it still feels like Monday to me! I had to take a road trip for my day job and came home to a laundry pile that could scare a small village. I could say that between my day job, PGG and the 2 minnies I still have plenty of time to do the laundry, but then lightening would strike and we have had enough crazy weather already so I will tell the truth: when the pile is taller than Mini K, it goes to the wash and fold, and it is worth every penny!

So since laundry seems to have taken over Casa Grove, I had to share one of our favorite new products: personalized cotton canvas laundry bags. They come with a 7 1/2" personalized deisgn and at $30 are the perfect boarding school, college, camp or just laundry hiding bag! We can't promise they will make dirty clothes fun, but they will at least keep them in style!

There are way to many designs to post on here, but for starters, they come in all of our camp designs!

To order just email us at grovegifts@gmail.com or on Facebook.

Camp Time!

2011-05-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

If you thought I meant camping in a tent, you must not know me! I of course mean, sleepaway camp! I LOVED going to camp as a child. Grove Gal E went to an all girls camp, mine was coed and some of my favorite childhood memories are from camp.

Mini K still has to wait another year to go to sleepaway camp...she will be going to an all girls camp...Mr. G would only send her to a coed camp with SEAL Team 6!

Since I now own a stationery and gift business, I probably shouldn't admit to being a lackluster letter writer when I myself was at camp, but I was having too much fun. My mother would always find a way to sneak a few surprises into my camp trunk. I LOVED unpacking my trunk and finding a few hidden surprises.

Some of my favorites were:

new sunglasses

lip smackers and then lip glosses as I got older

K.I.T. cards already printed...what can I say my mother was ahead of her time...I felt so grown up having my own Keep In Touch "business" cards with my name, address and phone number...today they would of course require the addition of an email address

For those of you getting ready to send your prince or princes off to camp, we can help with our camp care package!

The package includes:

12 personalized postcards...already stamped

1 personalized pillowcase

30 personalized K.I.T cards..help them Keep In Touch with their new friends in style

The Price: $49

We can't promise they will write home, but we can promise they will be in style!

To order just email us or message us on Facebook.

So many designs to choose from and colors can be change to reflect your camper's favorite colors!

Back In Town!

2011-05-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

I can see that Blogger and I need to have a talk...those 6 YES 6 posts I wrote and had scheduled to post clearly did not post. I know Blogger had a tantrum last week, but this is like burning someone else's homework, or their paycheck, or their favorite gossip magazine.

I got back last night from a girls weekend in NYC and a brief stop at the National Stationery Show. Despite the rain, it was a great weekend. Can you have a bad weekend when it involves shoes, handbags and champagne cocktails? I know, I don't think it is possible either.

But I am back to reality and off to search for my missing posts and figure out what Grove Gal E wants to do as this week's Facebook deal. If you have some suggestions, leave a comment here or on our Facebook page and if we pick your product, you might get a little happy in the mail!

I am also putting this in writing so I can hold myself accountable...I will run 105 miles a month..in addition to Crossfit. I am pretty sure it is the only way to keep up with Mini K and Baby C!

Facebook Mondays

2011-05-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

And yes I do know that today is Tuesday....but....if you "Like" us on Facebook then you know we announced a special one week discount this week. FREE to be exact. As in FREE shipping on all of our ipad cases. The same cases featured in US Weekly.

So for $38 you can get your ipad a new dress or a suit if you are buying for the guy on your gift list.

We love these! I have the amaze print in pink. I keep a screen cleaning wipe tucked in the case with my pad and it is ALWAYS in my bag, because I never know when I will be able to sneak a few minutes to read!

You can see all of our designs HERE!

Some of our favorites are the animal print and who doesn't love animal prints and plaids!

You can order 4 different ways: leave a comment on Facebook, leave a comment here, email us: grovegifts at gmail dot com or order on the site and we will credit the shipping back to you after your purchase.

Gym Slim....

2011-05-05T17:38:00.000-07:00

I feel the need to say I love my Lulu's, but received a pair of capris from The Girls Apparel as a gift and the only way I can describe is as my magic pants.

Image from The Girls Apparel

They are made with a compression panel around the tummy, hips and thighs, aka instant SLIMMER. And did I mention the capris are less than $30?

They also come in shorts for less than $20.

Image from The Girls Apparel

No need to pinch yourself, this is not a mirage...

So the next time you need to run some errands after your workout, you will be thanking me!

Monday Deal

2011-05-03T05:50:00.000-07:00

First, yes I know it is Tuesday. I thought I had scheduled this post to post last evening, but clearly I forgot to save it.

If you haven't checked out our Facebook page, then let me tell you...since everyone is buzzing about the debut of the new white iphone, we thought we would celebrate as well!

This week we are offering FREE SHIPPING on all of our iphone and blackberry covers from clairebella. These are not on our site yet...I am blaming Disneyworld!

So we have made you a cheat sheet so to say. All of the font, color and design choices are below.

To order you can leave a comment on our Facebook page and we will paypal you an invoice OR you can email us your order directly at grovegifts at gmail dot com.

Cases take 3 weeks to produce and ship and make great graduation gifts!

Back To Reality

2011-05-01T18:45:00.001-07:00

We are back home! Mini K is still reeling that we surprised her with a trip to Disney World and a princess makeover at the Bippidi Boppidi Boutique, but we needed to pack up and leave the Mouse's House as school starts tomorrow!

I am in the middle of the glamourous part of all vacations: unpacking and laundry! I promise a full recap of the trip, tomorrow, but Grove Gal E and I wanted to share a bit of news.

We have decided that everyone needs something to look forward to on a Monday so the Grove will be posting a special every Monday on our Facebook page.

If you don't "lile" us on Facebook, we would love for you too! Also make sure to sign up for our newsletter on our Facebook page if you want to receive notices about new products and special discount offers!

Since I left my fairy godmother in Florida, I must go get the lunches ready and clothes folded!

Night!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

Photo: www.flora2000.com

Happy Easter!

Today we are celebrating our first Easter as a family of 4! We now a blue monorammed basket to go with Mini K's pink one!

We are joining friends for brunch after mass this morning and I promise to post photos of the minnies in their monogrammed outfits!

Mini K woke up screaming we should go outside and see if we could see Jesus in the air, because he is all around us. I love that her first thought was the meaning of this day and not the candy. The candy was the second thing she asked for...for breakfast nonetheless!

I hop eall of you are with family and friends and am so blessed to have met so many new friends through this blog and my business!