Hello! remember me? well, now that craft show season is drawing to a close, I can set my sites back on my 'sites' - the holidays are approaching rather quickly and so I'm pleased to announce that I will host 'shop days' in my studio. This is an opportunity to check out the latest items we've made as well as stock up on some basics - like everyday bows and clippies. Every Tuesday for the month of December I will be available from 10 am - 2 pm - need something monogrammed? this is the perfect opportunity to stop in - first come first served of course, but it will give people an opportunity to look through the thread colors and fonts to get what they truly like. If you don't know where to go, call or email for directions! (239) 839-8153 or preppyinparadise@comcast.net

Don't forget teacher gifts and stocking stuffers - or, while you're out shopping you might see something that just begs for a monogram - bring it on by!

Preppy Walls

What do you get when you mix a great paint job and a vinyl icon decal? A cute preppy bedroom of course! My dear friend Wendy redecorated her son's room recently and when she was talking about her 'theme' I suggested she try a giant crab to tie it all together. She was game and says it wasn't hard to put up at all and looks adorable. Check it out for yourself!

So Sweet Shower Curtain

I have always loved the look of monogrammed shower curtains, and I had a couple of minutes to 'transform' one before my company arrived - they liked it, and I think it adds something to an otherwise bland guest bathroom, since its the only room in our house that has never been painted or otherwise decorated! Now maybe we'll get to it!

Horse Show Season is nearly here!

Its almost time for horse shows to start up again, and in anticipation we are monogramming everything horsey in sight! Show Shirts, Saddle Pads, Polo Wraps, Bags, baseball caps - you name it! We have a great selection of horsey images and lots of monogram styles. Check it out! The best way to ensure your things don't wander off at the barn or at a show is to monogram them!

It has been too wet here in Southwest Florida to do much riding lately, but we still took Auntie Julie out to the barn to meet MacIntosh whiles she was here. Next time, she's getting on!

Back to work!

Well, we're back to work and trying to get all caught up with our orders! Thank you so much to everyone for being patient with us as well as the condolences passed on the Leanne & Glen and family - they were very much appreciated!

Leanne & Glen had a lovely visit with Aunt Julie and Grandma Joan despite the circumstances and we were happy to give them new monogrammed Scout bags - and two more fans were born! Actually, three, because we sent one for Auntie Robin too!

This week has started with the development of an adorable new product - a custom hair bow holder that can be personalized (within reason!) to match a child - light or dark skin tone, blond, brown, red or black hair, and black, brown, blue or green eyes! Its all machine sewn so its very sturdy and looks so cute loaded up with bows! Any little girl is sure to love it. Start thinking about the holidays and birthday parties coming up!

Death in the family

We are sad to report that my husbands Grandmother, Georgia Luks, passed away yesterday. If you have emailed or called us this week and we haven't responded yet, we will be returning messages on Friday. Thank you to everyone for your sympathy and understanding.

The ENTIRE Scout bag order is here!!!!

Okay, its like Christmas in August - the UPS man dropped off 3 MORE huge boxes from Bungalow Co today - I don't know if I can sell the stuff because I love it so much! But my husband says I really don't need another 30 bags of my own, so, come and get them!!!

I was totally right about the paisley design, it is more gorgeous in person than even the pictures - but my husband likes the French Twist in Black because he says its classic and every Southern Girl would like it - okay, his experience is limited to Southern Girls, so I'm going to go ahead and say every Earth Girl would like it!

. . . And now for something completely different . . .

I give you . . . the Preppy Scrub Hat! This is for all of those medical people who feel country kitties and bears just don't reflect their personality! If you don't know what this is, it is a hat worn in the operating room - they often wear disposable ones, and I also make a 'surgeons cap' which is the more fitted style. I started making them for my handsome doctor husband and realized that its incredibly hard to find monogrammed or personalized scrub hats - at least ones that aren't really goofy!

This would be a nice gift for that special doctor or nurse in your life - the bouffant style my daughter is wearing is very comfortable, and they can be made out of any fabric your little heart desires - yes, even Batman!

All the Preppy Ponies

You've likely seen them before, if not, let me introduce you to the 'monogrammed pony-o' or whatever you prefer to call them! I've been dying to make them for some time but didn't sit down to do it until yesterday - I think they are super cute. I also did some 3-letter ones for my daughter. I prefer them on fabric than ribbon, and I am currently doing them on seersucker. Now that we are moving into the fall and the holidays will be here before we know it, watch for some preppy icon ones - i have plans for these ponytails, just you wait and see! I think they make a great small gift - and my daughter is currently wearing one on her wrist!

7:30 am - Yeah, its a quiet rainy day

So, other than losing power intermittently, we seem to be fairing quite well. The hurricane watch has been discontinued, but we're under a tornado watch until 4pm today. The rain is quite impressive - and of course can be very damaging - but even though we're expected to get a whopping 10 inches of rain there isn't too much concern because we are a out 3-5 inches low anyway. Dr. Daddy is home from work today so we'll spend the day enjoying the kiddos and making cookies! Our only problem right now? Baron refuses to go outside and he's a biiiig dog! Yikes!

Can't say I blame him, this is what it looks like out our front door!

11 PM Update

We're getting ready for bed now, just finished watching 'Nim's Island' which is one of the best movies (except for the quick ending) I've watched in a while. Just walked outside and its raining lightly, but steadily and the trees are swaying gently - might be the 'calm before the storm' and what we are really watching for right now is tornadoes - no way to predict them and the come up very quickly! The kiddos are camping out on our floor and having a blast. Alex is fascinated by the storm updates and she is such an amazing reader that there is no hope of keeping anything from her! She says it sounds like its heading for us, but she's not worried, she's SCARED! Apparently there is a subtle difference! More tomorrow! Fay should be here in the morning!


AT 1100 PM EDT...0300Z...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM FAY WASLOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 25.3 NORTH...LONGITUDE 81.9 WEST OR ABOUT 60MILES...95 KM...SOUTH OF NAPLES FLORIDA.FAY IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH NEAR 9 MPH...15 KM/HR...AND ASLIGHTLY EAST OF NORTH MOTION IS EXPECTED OVER THE NEXT DAY OR TWO. ON THIS TRACK THE CENTER WILL CROSS THE COAST OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDATUESDAY MORNING AND CONTINUE INLAND OVER CENTRAL FLORIDA LATER ONTUESDAY AND TUESDAY NIGHT.MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 60 MPH...95 KM/HR...WITH HIGHERGUSTS. FAY COULD STILL APPROACH HURRICANE STRENGTH PRIOR TOLANDFALL. WEAKENING IS LIKELY WHILE FAY MOVES OVER THE FLORIDAPENINSULA.TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 125 MILES...205 KMFROM THE CENTER. A WIND GUST OF 59 MPH...94 KM/HR...WAS RECENTLYREPORTED AT AN ELEVATED NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SITE AT FLAMINGO.

8PM Update

Well, it looks pretty good for us so far, of course we know better than to expect accurate predictions . . . oh well, we'll just appreciate Jim Cantore's cuteness on the Weather Channel!


AT 800 PM EDT......THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM FAY WAS LOCATEDNEAR LATITUDE 25.0 NORTH...LONGITUDE 81.9 WEST OR ABOUT 105MILES...170 KM...SOUTH OF NAPLES FLORIDA.FAY IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH NEAR 9 MPH...15 KM/HR. THIS GENERALMOTION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TONIGHT AND TUESDAY. ON THEFORECAST TRACK...THE CENTER OF FAY WILL CROSS THE SOUTHWESTERNCOAST OF FLORIDA ON TUESDAY.MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 60 MPH...95 KM/HR...WITH HIGHERGUSTS. STRENGTHENING IS EXPECTED TONIGHT AND TUESDAY...AND FAY ISFORECAST TO BE AT OR NEAR HURRICANE STRENGTH AS IT APPROACHES THESOUTHWESTERN COAST OF FLORIDA.TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 125 MILES...205 KMFROM THE CENTER.

5PM NOAA Update

AT 500 PM EDT...2100Z...THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM FAY WAS LOCATEDNEAR LATITUDE 24.6 NORTH...LONGITUDE 81.9 WEST OR NEAR KEY WESTFLORIDA AND ABOUT 145 MILES...235 KM...SOUTH OF FT. MYERS FLORIDA.FAY IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH-NORTHWEST NEAR 12 MPH...19 KM/HR.A TURN TOWARD THE NORTH WITH A SLOWER FORWARD SPEED IS EXPECTEDTONIGHT...FOLLOWED BY A GENERALLY NORTHWARD MOTION TUESDAY ANDTUESDAY NIGHT. THIS MOTION SHOULD BRING THE CENTER OF FAY AWAYFROM THE FLORIDA KEYS TONIGHT...AND NEAR OR OVER THE SOUTHWESTERNCOAST OF FLORIDA ON TUESDAY.MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 60 MPH...95 KM/HR...WITH HIGHERGUSTS. STRENGTHENING IS EXPECTED TONIGHT AND TUESDAY...AND FAY ISFORECAST TO BE AT OR NEAR HURRICANE STRENGTH AS IT APPROACHES THESOUTHWESTERN COAST OF FLORIDA.

Cute Scout Micro Deano Bags

Are these the cutest bags or what! The clean up easily and of course they can be monogrammed! Check them out at preppyinparadise.com

Hurricane Preparations (no, not the cocktail!)

First, we have to remove all of the coconuts from our trees so they don't become projectiles and fly through our neighbors windows making us the scourge of the block - note the picture on the left! Doesn't look like that many you say? Well, lets just say they aren't as light as they look! Oh, and they're often covered in ants and spiders! Fun!

Second, we have to remove all of our potted plants and outdoor furniture (including the outdoor big screen TV) - which makes our home look like a jungle/yard sale

Third, we have to stock up on water, canned good, beer and other non-perishables - oh wait, we're fine in that department! We even made cookies!

Fourth, fill the cars and extra gas cans with gas so when we lose power we can still run the generator and fridge. Except, we usually just drive to Disney (the mouse always has power) so we just have to make sure one of the cars has enough gas to get to Orlando! Which saves us from the 1 hour wait at the Costco gas station!

Fifth, locate all of the candles, lanterns, batteries and other emergency supplies that have become strewn about the house since the last storm! Of course the kids are totally excited because they think its 'cool' that we are going to be 'camping out' in the laundry room! The will gladly give up TV for undivided mommy-daddy attention!

Sixth, put up hurricane shutters - which we haven't purchased yet because our house is still for sale and we're too cheap and figure we survived Hurricanes Charlie & Wilma so bring it on, Fay!

Seventh, sit back and make a hurricane (cocktail)1 oz vodka1/4 oz grenadine syrup1 oz gin1 oz light rum1/2 oz Bacardi® 151 rum1 oz amaretto almond liqueur1 oz triple secgrapefruit juicepineapple juicePour all but the juices, in order listed, into a hurricane glass three-quarters filled with ice. Fill with equal parts of grapefruit and pineapple juice, and serve.

To be continued after a trip to Lowe's for more duct tape! The kids thinks its duck tape and that we're bringing the ducks inside, I'm going to see if they can catch any of them!

Go Away Fay!

Subscribe to the Preppy In Paradise Blog to get the latest updates on Tropical Storm Fay, which is getting closer and closer to us as every hour passes! We are all busy preparing our families and property for the storm, but we will keep the Blog updated for all of those people who have friends and loved ones in the area!

From http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ the following is the 2pm bulletin - updated next at 5pm

AT 2 PM EDT...TROPICAL STORM FAY WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE24.3 DEGREES NORTH...81.6 DEGREES WEST OR ABOUT 150 MILES SOUTHOF FORT MYERS...AND ABOUT 260 MILES SOUTH SOUTHEAST OF TAMPA. FAYIS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH-NORTHWEST NEAR 14 MPH. MAXIMUMSUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 60 MPH WITH HIGHER GUSTS. THE MINIMUMCENTRAL PRESSURE REPORTED BY AN AIR FORCE RESERVE HURRICANE HUNTERAIRCRAFT WAS 1002 MB...OR 29.59 INCHES. FAY IS FORECAST TO MAKELANDFALL IN SOUTHWEST OR WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA ON TUESDAY AS A CATEGORY ONE HURRICANE.

Ouch!

Some orders may have been slightly delayed due to a, um, small accident this past weekend. The short version of the story is that I was tired, the kids were running amok, and my hand was way too close to the needles of the embroidery machine!

Yes, we now know that the powerful machine can in fact put a needle through a finger! The tip of the needle broke off in my finger and was very painful! Fortunately a nice young man in the ER was able to pull the entire thing out through the other side of my finger and it is healing quite nicely. Only 2 stitches were needed to close up the incision and I don't even need pain medicine. In fact, I finished what I was embroidering when I got home!

Let's just say I wont do that again - even though I'm dedicated to getting the job done! It was just plain dumb and I should have known better! Its back to business as usual!

The Scout Order has arrived . . . partially!

Some of the Scout bags have arrived - come and check them out! Alex has already had me monogram one of the Micro Deanos for her - and of course its adorable! I am really excited about the cooler sets and the party tubs - very cool and useful. If you are looking for part of your order, this is what I have received:

Coolers in French Twist (Pink)
Original Deano in T'wall Y'all Turqoise
Micro Deano in Pink
Party Tubs in French Twist (Black)

I have been assured by the company that the rest is on the way - if you haven't made a payment yet visit the website or drop by with your payment at your convenience.

If we lose power from Hurricane Fay . . .

Not a problem! We have a generator, so we'll be working regardless - unless, of course, we don't have a roof! But seriously, part of living in 'paradise' is dealing with the occasional issue - hurricanes, poisonous spiders, alligators, rogue golf balls, heat exhaustion - why do we live here?

Now we're pros at being prepared for extreme weather. When most people leave, we stay - Dr. Glen has to be here in case he is needed at the hospital - we were here during Hurricane Charlie, as well as the following busy hurricane year when I spent nervous days camping out in the laundry room 8 months pregnant!

So we are going to batten down the hatches and see what happens. Tomorrow we will head out to the farm to make sure that Macintosh is safe in his barn and give him some last minute hugs, kisses and carrots so he knows we love him and then leave him in the capable hands of Miss Jessica.

Meanwhile, Blake's first day of school is tomorrow so Alex and I are going to have a mother-daughter day and work on some outstanding Preppy In Paradise projects.

Endless summers

So, here's a fabulous idea - scoop up some of those luxe beach towels that are deeply discounted this time of year and . . . get them monogrammed! It will be worth it to store them until next season, or give them as Christmas/Hanukkah gifts, birthday gifts - or, if you live in Florida like us, use them all year long. Beach towels make a nice personal gift that people genuinely like to receive! Just a hint! Check out these cute ones Nikki picked up at Dillards - she did some for gifts and some for her little darlings - now that's one smart Chicky!

Oh, my aching back!

So, Tania and I joined some folks who were doing 'community service' - not as volunteers - and sorted food at the Harry Chapin Food Bank today. I think we were the only people talking, and we didn't stop until we left - but we worked up a sweat and showed them that we weren't a couple of powder puffs! We had strange cravings for mexican food and bananas afterwards - might have something to do with the thousands of pounds of beans and rice we packed into banana boxes? Can't wait to do it again!

Trunk Show

Watch for an email invitation in the next day or so to a trunk show. It will be at Kidz Zone in Fort Myers, on Thursday, August 14 from 4 to 8pm. We'll have lots of back to school items and (shudder) be gearing up for the holidays - yes, they will be here before you know it! If you start planning a little now, it will be smooth sailing. We will be monogramming your kids backpacks and lunchboxes so bring them with you - it will be first come, first served as we can only do so many! If we don't get to it while you wait, you can always pick it up in the morning (yeah, I'll stay up all night sewing for you!).

We will also be hosting a show around October 16th (date tentative) for holiday shopping and ordering. Think gifts, kids outfits, stocking stuffers . . .

Just another manic Monday

Well, I just don't know where the hours slip off to, but I do know I have to start going to bed earlier! I'm having too much fun with the new embroidery machine though! A large part of today was spent organizing all of the super cool new fonts that I have - it was painstaking, but worth it because now it is much easier to find a font when I need it. And we all know how obsessed I am with organization! I think it pays off in the end.

Tania stopped by today too, and we made plans to head over to the food bank in the morning to get down and dirty with the donations. We're going to pretend we're Laverne and Shirley. Its not too late to join us - we'll be there about 9-ish (depending on how quickly the line at Starbucks moves) until about noon-ish (depending on when our hunger overtakes us). Hope you can make it!

What's new today

I spent much of today organizing embroidery files and searching for more fun, preppy and unique designs. There are so many interesting things to make, and we always welcome comments and suggestions!

On another note, my good friend Tania, from polkabean.com brought to light an urgent need in our Southwest Florida community for volunteers. The Harry Chapin food bank receives donations constantly, unfortunately they don't have constant volunteers to then sort and distribute those food items. Tania and her sister spent a morning volunteering and feel passionately that there is an ongoing need for help. When they don't get help, food often has to be thrown away because it exceeds the expiration date! That, is horrible! So we at Preppy In Paradise are going to make every effort to spend a morning a week at the food bank to help out. Want to join us? Send an email to preppyinparadise@comcast.net

Edison Family Fair

Well, we spent the day today at the Back To School Family Fair at Edison Mall. Needless to say, it wasn't exactly our demographic, but we did end up meeting some very nice people. It is always interesting to see what people like - and of course, don't like! We went through a lot of bows and had a lot of positive feedback about the new embroidery designs - especially on back packs, which we took orders for.

We did have some of the "can i look at this to see how its made" visitors, and as usual I am happy to oblige - after all, I can't make every single bow and tutu in the world! Plus, there are a lot of people who can't afford to buy things that we are very fortunate to own and make, and I really enjoy showing people some of the techniques and giving them good advice - of course I don't give away ALL of the secrets! So, we had fun, but we're really, really tired!

I'm having too much fun!

So, my darling friend Chrissy stopped in today to pick up some monogrammed hair bows for a birthday present, and ended up leaving with a tutu, a tennis towel and a personalized shirt for her daughter! I have to admit, and I'm sure you all will agree, that her daughter looks adorable!

The best part of doing things for my friends is that it makes me happy and I feel great that I could do something nice for someone. My goal in expanding this 'little' business is to constantly strive to provide quality products that bring something to people's lives. Is is silly to think that a tutu can 'bring' something to someone? I say no, I say that it is worthwhile when you see a child smile and dance and you see the love in a mother's eyes as she smiles back - that, my friends, is what its all about! So, now I must go create!

The New Labels have arrived!

Yippee! The new labels are here - tell us what you think, do you like them?

So, I am having the best time playing with my new machine! I have found all kinds of fun images and it is so easy to load them into the machine! I have also been experimenting with turning other images into embroidery designs and I have to say, the software is simply amazing! There is only ONE little problem - I keep staying up late because I can't stop! I must be a sewing addict! I wonder if there's a support group . . .

The New Baby Is Here!

Well, okay, its not a baby, but it is a Baby Lock! It's amazing and I am very excited at all of the possibilities it holds! I love fabric and embroidery, applique and creating - this is going to be fun! Hopefully soon I will have font samples up on the website. Wish me luck - six needles is a lot more than one - the old machine may be tossed in the lake out back!

Website background

Okay, quick poll - what do you think of the latest version of the preppyinparadise.com website? Let us know!

Maiden Voyage

Well, here I am writing my first blog - its so strange - I mostly feel like I am talking to myself! Anyway, I am very excited about the arrival of my new embroidery machine! It will be so much fun and yes, my husband is concerned that everything we own will be monogrammed - instead of just the linens and kids stuff! I told him I'd leave his boxers alone, but his scrubs are MINE!!!!

I am looking forward to a short break from competitive tennis too! My wonderful friend Wendy and I just finished the USTA regional championships where I am sad to report we were not victorious! We lost both of our doubles matches in tie-breakers! However, I was able to pull off a win in my singles match yesterday - maybe it was because Glen and the kids were there cheering me on.

We are also expecting our first shipment of Scout bags this week, in addition to some great stationary products that will be added to the preppyinparadise.com website. We are gearing up for Back To School and then before we know it the holidays will be upon us! Here in Southwest Florida the public schools to back in mid-August (yuck) but my little darlings will still be home until after Labor Day.

Don't forget to get your kids school bags & lunch boxes monogrammed as well as their uniforms! We also have lots of cute hair bows, headbands and ribbon covered barrettes - all of which can be monogrammed with your child's school name! What about Mommie? Well, who wants to show up in car line without a monogram on the back of their car? Not me! Its cute, its affordable and it makes a great gift. Check it out!

Ciao for now!