Southern Living - thanks!

Although I was born and raised in the mid-west, I fell in love with the South a long time ago. When Southern Living mentioned they thought La Plates would be perfect for their July picnic issue, I was over-the-moon thrilled! Here's their cover this month, be sure to pick it up!Checkout pages 48 & 49 for their "breakfast on the patio & dinner under the stars" article. La Plates Modern Plate in Brown with Orange Circle Monogram made a fabulous appearance. Thanks Southern Living!

Welcome to the Vineyard, Obama Family

In the year or so that La Plates has been in business, we have "met" so many wonderful people. Not necessarily in face-to-face meetings, but over email, Facebook, Twitter & blogging. Through these new connections, we learn of really cool things happening.

Recently, we were asked to participate gift basket to introduce and welcome the Obamas to Martha's Vineyard. I don't like to get political, but let's talk fashion and family factor - I'm a huge fan of the First Fam! Not only that, but Edgartown, MA has been host to many fabulous vacations for our family, we were sold!

Led by Sarah, at Up My Sleeve Boutique, we were given our design freedom. Just something preppy with the look and feel of the Vineyard. We designed a set of RED KNOTS La Plates that the entire First Family could use...we even tested a new bowl design for Bo, the "first puppy"! Sarah's boutique created fabulous Nantucket Baskets for all the ladies. The Trendy Tot made custom starfish tops for Malia and Sasha. LuLu Grace of Boston, designed stationery for each the First Lady, Malia and Sasha. Tucker Blair contributed needlepoint headbands for the girls and a belt for the Prez. Authors Kim Knox Beckius and Mathea Levine donated their books The New England Coast: The Most Spectacular Sights & Destinations and “I’m Lucy”, a Story for Children and a Good Cause. Hopefully our basket gets the First Family in Vineyard vacation mode - safe travels Obamas & be sure to send a postcard!

The Little House

I have always been a sucker for fabulous kids clothing and I need to go no further than The Little House in Kansas City, MO. They have an amazing selection of clothing for both girls and boys...as a mother of boys, it's tough to find a place that shares their space equally with the little men! They carry so many brands, but I've found Vineyard Vines to be my favorite. The Little House Blog shares many photos and details of their available items.
The owner, Katy, has decided that La Plates would be a fabulous addition to The Little House. We think so too!

Zoom!

Last night was the grand opening of the new location of Zoom (816.842.8697) - a fabulous toy store. It was planned in coordination with the recent launch of M Magazine & benefited The Toy & Miniature Museum of Kansas City.

Holy cow, you would have thought we were at Disney World! As we entered the front of the store, employees had "egg races" for the kids...after they competed, they got to pick a toy. As we walked through the front doors, both kids signed up for (and eventually won) door prizes. Throughout the store, employees had MORE games and activities set up to play - and win more prizes! Outside, there were delicious treats for all ages. Topsy's provided popcorn & their famous cherry limeades...I saw a bar, but didn't make it over. Up, Up & Away provided the balloon entertainment - a huge hit with my boys.

Overall, the event was a hit with the entire family. We can't wait to head back down the The Plaza for another Zoom adventure!

Are you ready for the 4th?

I'm a big fan of all holidays, but I have to say the 4th of July has always been a favorite. There's something about everything surrounding the 4th...it's a happy, laid back, "everyone gets the day off of work" kind of holiday. There are no expectations of gifts, travel or religious activities - it's just a celebration of the good ol' USA.

We've started collecting some great loot for the big day. (Think obnoxious glow-in-the-dark necklaces & bracelets from Wal-mart) Here are some of the more classy La Plates items our guest will see at our picnic:

Mom Jewelry

I'm not a fan of "mom jeans", "mom haircuts" or many other "mom" categories. However, I find that when the word "jewelry" is pared with it, I'll take it! I seem to have to justify any major or minor purchase these days. So I've decided to justify this shopping spree by showcasing my children...it seems like a good excuse for mommy to buy herself some jewelry!

Sonja Renee has a wide variety of fabulous pieces - not "mom jewelry" at all! My favorite collection is the engraved disk pendants. I'll be ordering up a "J" and a "W" for my boys, then the hubby can pop for the bling disks later...OK, so I won't hold my breath!

If you're thinking about ordering and can't make up your mind, the ladies at Sorella in Macon, Georgia can take care of you. Give them a call at 478*476*8600

KenzieKate - amazing!

Years ago, my affair with stationery began. As a young child, I designed custom paper for anyone that would pay attention to me. Parents, grandparents & friends all went along with my gig for quite a while...until recently, in fact! While my designs moved from paper to plates, I still have a special place in my heart for fabulous paper.

KenzieKate is an amazing combo of fashionably chic, meets classic wedding invitations. Mackenzie uses amazing papers with her original artwork and colors to custom design the perfect invitations for her brides. Check out her collection at www.kenziekate.com

Trunk Shows

People ask all the time, "how do trunk shows work"? Basically, trunk shows are in-home parties that are coordinated by La Plates and the person interested in sharing La Plates with friends and family. A portion of most trunk show sales goes to the charity of the hostess' choice.

Last week, we were thrilled to have a trunk show in a lovely home in Savannah, Georgia. A portion of all sales will be donated to Hospice Savannah. We took a few shots of the set up, before guests arrived. Trunk shows also give us an opportunity to test out new products. You may see a few items in the photos that you haven't seen online...a sneak peek at what's to come!

One of the hostesses of the trunk show is also a fabulous artist/jewelry designer...she displayed some fabulous pieces too!

Thank you to Kathy and Kendall for sharing your home & fabulous friends and family - what a great night!

Gift Notes, Gift Wrap, etc...

So here's the deal...La Plates sends all receipts for products via the email address you provide to us. Therefore, no pricing is included in your box of goodies. The only issue with no pricing in your box, is that there is no paper for a gift note.

We realize that a gift note & gift wrap would be a fabulous touch, but it's just not an option right now. However, we have a solution. In the "Order Comments" section of checkout, you can create a very brief note. BRIEF means a few words like: "Happy Birthday - Love, The Smiths". This note will appear on the UPS label of your La Plates package. Hopefully the recipient of your gift will see the note...every once in a while people don't look at the label, so you may want to let the "giftee" know a treat is on the way!

UPDATE - Gift notes will be available July 1st! Be sure to look for the option when shopping online.