Life is too short for ugly notebooks.

That's right!  That is the motto of the stylish May Books. I've always been a lover of pretty paper, so of course, this product has me swooning. How beautiful are these personalized notebooks? 

via the May Books Blog

via the May Books blog

via the May Books blog

The May Books site allows you to select your favorite pattern (note that every pattern is GORGEOUS), style of monogram and the layout for the inside pages (agenda, meal planner, wedding diary, baby diary, dot grid, graph paper, lined paper, etc.). While playing around with the site, I created this sample book design for myself.

I also love these baby diaries for my friends who are expecting...

   

The price point starts at $12, which I feel is reasonable for a personalized product. Have you ordered a May Books product before? Are you loving it?

A pretty notebook is definitely on my "to-buy" list.

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Julia's Wine Tasting Wedding Shower

As I previously mentioned, I teamed up with some girls to host a bridal shower for one my oldest, dearest friends, Julia.  Julia and I have been friends since preschool so I am thrilled to be a part of her wedding festivities 23 years later.  

I first blogged about the favors, decor and gift ideas found on Etsy.com that would go along with the wine tasting share as seen here.  We would have liked to book the shower at a vineyard, but because of scheduling conflicts decided to host it in-house. 

We provided guests with samples of three red wines, three white wines and a Halloween-themed wine (just in time for the fall season). We also had sparkling white and red grape juice available for the underage crowd.  

{before the tasting}

{after - the big reveal}

We served a wide spread of yummy goodness... particularly, cheese, bread and lots of grapes to compliment the wine.

{eat, drink & be married}

I am a lover all things monogrammed, so of course, I had to purchase personalized wedding gifts for Julia.

{round party tub stand with monogrammed lid}

{personalized, insulated market tote} 

Everyone received a polka dot wine glass as their party favor. 

We wrapped things up with cake made by Brittany's mother-in-law.

Congrats Julia!

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Cricut Party!

Some of my friends asked if they could come over for a Cricut party.

Here are some of the fun personalized products we created using the Cricut and vinyl:

Both of the above products are ones I made for myself. I constantly use reusable shopping bags - so this new purple and gold one will be perfect for my collection.  I also personalized these insulated drink container to use at work. It will also be perfect for pool-side refreshments once this rain stops.

I'm not sure if you can see the letters on each of these Chinese take out boxes, but the set says "Girls Night Out." My friend Lindsey personalized these favor boxes for her friend's bachelorette party.  Very cute idea!

What are your favorite items to vinyl? 

(I know several of you own a Cricut.)

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