Plastic shopping bags are on their way OUT

Did you know that Florida is considering a 5 year plan to phase out plastic AND paper grocery shopping bags? Since we just returned from a trip to Europe, this didn't seem that strange to us because in many of the grocery stores we visited there you had to by a bag - and in a couple of shops in Paris the reusable bag was the same price as the plastic one!

Anyway, I didn't used to sell the Scout market totes, not because I didn't like them, just because I already sell SO many things that I didn't know if people would be interested. Well, if you are going to have to use a reusable shopping bag, let me tell you this is the way to go! I take 2 of them to the store and fit an entire week's worth of groceries - and look darn good doing it! Check them out - they come in a wide variety of patterns and for $20 you can use it over and over and over again! Oh, and they are very handy for other things as well, but you will not be disappointed when you try these out!

Not convinced? Stop by, pick one up and use it for a week - if you don't like it (I wont believe you, but hey) bring it back! It'll be on a first come first served basis for the trial bags, but you are always welcome to stop by and check out all of our great Scout products. You can also visit their website at http://www.bungalowco.com/ to see available patterns - if you see something you like we can get it!

So to wrap it up, I am in favor of using less plastic bags, I know it will be a stretch for many people and there will be growing pains, but darn it, plastic is just not stylish, and its most definitely not preppy!

What's Going on? You ask!

Hello, just time for a weekly update! Now, I know I'm not the worlds best blogger, but lets face it, it takes a LOT of time to keep it up - I mostly use it to let people know what's new and what is coming up! Oh, and since we are on the topic . . . don't forget to tell me what your fav Preppy Tee design is if you want to be entered in the contest to win one!!!

That's not to say that I don't like blogging, because anyone who knows me knows that I can talk, and talk, and talk - same goes for typing! Yes folks, I am long-winded!

So, right now I'm busy planning our St. Michael's Fall Bazaar booth - or at least thinking about it, maybe 'planning' isn't the most accurate description - that would mean I've been writing things down, like what I am going to put where, and what the displays are going to look like. Instead, I've been just buying more bags and market totes so that everyone will be able to get the best teacher gifts and holiday presents for friends and family!

If you know me personally then you know I do this because I love it. And this season is no exception, I truly love being a part of people's gift-giving - I enjoy every last moment of helping someone find that perfect gift - even picking out colors, fonts, embroidery designs - its what I live for! I just like seeing people happy, or hearing how much they loved giving a gift - or receiving it! Its so much fun!

This year I have tried my best to find things at varying price points - you know, if you have any good ideas I'm certainly open to suggestion!

So . . . I found some pretty faux-cashmere scarves - they look so pretty monogrammed and hey, it gets cold enough here every so often - and some of us go on chi chi ski trips!

And you all know my new -favorite gift is the market tote - I just think you get a lot of bang for your buck because it is so versatile and looks so awesome with a name or monogram on it - I don't actually use mine at the market, but I have seen some there - that's just because my other new addiction is the Scout shopping bags - you can see them at the bazaar, they are awesome, and did you know many states have out-lawed plastic shopping bags! Florida is likely going to be next! Wow, I say! I think its a great idea, but what will I use for doggie poo bags? I guess biodegradable ones is a better choice!

Anyway, how did I get so off-topic? What else have we been up to? Well, I had a nice visit with Heather Harris out at her studio (check out the pics of my bulldog puppy in her witch costume on Heather's blog) - and I highly recommend Heather for all of your photography needs. Why? well first of all, she has so much talent, but you know, she is just so generous and creative and when ever I see her it makes me want to go do something creative! She creates these elaborate settings and makes photos so fun for the kids, and then she has great prices and it just makes for a wonderful package! I am going to make an effort to get more professional pictures of my children - someday I want them to look at all of these beautiful photos and say, my parents really cherished me!

And no, Heather is not paying me to say these things, its just the plain truth. If I find something I think is good quality and really worth your money, I like to share! So, that's my recommendation for the day, okay, month! Think 'holiday photos'. Hey, I have a good idea - how about a Preppy In Paradise Christmas Dress - have Heather take the picture, it will be awesome!

Well, now I'm tired, and I have lots of planning to do! So, don't forget to get your tee shirt vote in, come visit us at St. Michaels in November, start making your list and checking it twice!

XO

Leanne

Piggy Paint

Do you have a little girl that loves to have her nails painted? Are you a girl that loves to have her nails painted? Are you ever bothered by the idea of putting such a harsh chemical on your little angels nails - especially if they occasionally end up in her mouth!

Well, Preppy in Paradise is proud to offer the coolest, most earth-friendly, non-toxic, kid-and-mom-friendly nail polish around . . . Piggy Paint is a non-toxic, low odor, water-based, hypoallergenic and biodegradable nail polish that dries to a hard, durable finish! This mom-created product is made from ingredients that are, literally, as natural as mud - with no harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, phtyalates, biphenyl A, ethyl acetate or acetone.

There is a huge array of vibrant colors with super cool names that your gal will love - mac and cheese (orange), angel kisses (soft pink), forever fancy (sparkly bright pink), sleepover (midnight black for those trendy gals). These are going to be hot hot hot for stocking stuffers and birthday ideas! This is a tried-and-true product that you will be very impressed with.

If you really don't think you need this product, check out this picture of what regular polish does to a foam plate - I'm a believer now! Yes, that is the plate being eaten by the regular polish! I think I'm even going to start using it!

For maximum chip resistance, they recommend using a blow-dryer on a medium setting to gently speed up the drying process. Check out their website (www.piggypaint.com) for any other info you might want - and then come check out the polish in person - at Preppy In Paradise - we'll also have a display at the Saint Michael's Fall Bazaar. We will be revealing a very special Gator fan color combination there!!!

Four Cute Dudes

A perfect example of Preppy Tees put to good use! Four cute little dudes, celebrating a collective 3rd birthday! Each shirt has all of their names around the outside and a number 3 with their own name under it. These shirts were one of the moms special surprise to the other boys and I think you'll agree they are too cute for words! Enter the contest now and one of these Preppy Tees could be yours! See the previous post for instructions! You have til October 31st!

Contest Time!

Want to win one of our new Preppy Tees? Simply visit the web site, check out the designs under the Preppy Tees category and then email us with your favorite! We'll enter your name into the drawing to win a personalized tee! Contest ends October 31st, one entry per person, pass it along! We'll ship!

Christmas Tees

How cute is this tee! This adorable shirt is going to McKenna in Arizona along with a matching one for her little sis - they are going to be the cutest gals around! Order yours today in time for all the holiday parties!

Check out the web site for design options!

Preppy Tees

I can't believe I have taken so long to blog about our newest and most adorable product - Preppy Tees (they have their own category on the web site now, check it out!). They are simply the softest tees with the most adorable designs - they make great gifts for birthdays, family gatherings, group outings, to commemorate a special event, or, just because your kids love tees and you love monograms! We really like working with people to come up with the perfect design for their special tee - you might say its our specialty (get it??? yeah, I know, I'm not that funny!).

Please note, all of the designs on the Preppy In Paradise website are copyrighted - so for those of you who are looking to coast off of our hard work (and we ALL know who you are) please don't! Its wrong, its illegal, and its distasteful - oh, and one of the benefits of having attended law school, is that I have law school buddies just itching to go after design thieves!

What are YOU thankful for?

Preppy In Paradise is thankful for the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and be part of their gift-giving experience. I just can't tell you how amazing it is make something knowing it is being given with love! Do I sound like I'm full of fromage? I don't care! Call me the cheesiest, but 'tis the season!

Speaking of which, the holiday season is upon us and the craft show season is upon ME! Thank you to all those loyal Preppies who came out to the Sweet Bean Cafe event - it was fun and definitely got me into the craft show spirit! The only other event we will be attending this year will be the Saint Michael's Fall Bazaar, November 12th and 13th. If you have never been to this show, you are truly missing out! I started going years ago and know that it is a great place to pick up some gifts for everyone on your list. When I saw 'craft show' I don't mean plastic doilies either, I mean hand painted glassware, children's clothes, doll clothes, yummy treats and actual items made by local, talented artisans. If you only go to one craft show, make it this one - we did! Not to mention that a portion of the profits goes directly to the school.

We will be doing on-site monogramming, but it will be first come first served, and it will be limited to items that take less than 15 minutes on the machine - so if you want that shower curtain, duvet or tablecloth done - you'd better see us at the studio instead!

At the show we will have a large assortment of hair accessories, holiday dresses and items that are perfect for teacher gifts. Check out the website to see whats new - that is always much more efficient than asking me, since I can't always remember!

Hope to see you there!

Leanne