Monograms and Martinis in Manhattan/Boston

KAGency!

2012-01-31T15:17:00.004-05:00

As most of you know, KAGency, is my newest venture. I started my social media management company this August and it has been a blast.

Currently, I am in the process of cataloging blogs that I think are interesting, sophisticated and original. I have many different types of clients with obviously very different needs. If you think your blog could be a good fit for my database, please contact me or just leave a comment on this post (probably be the easiest)! It would also be a great way for my readers to check out some new blogs! Many thanks to all of you who have helped make the KAGency a success!

And please "like" us on Facebook!

From Blah to Bling for Hardly Any Cha-Ching! DIY with Katie!

2012-01-30T07:48:00.002-05:00

Hi All!

I am so thrilled to pop in on Monograms&Martinis and spread a little DIY love! I can't wait to share some of my projects that anyone can do at home, and really make a space truly their own for just a little $cratch.

I like to call this first project "From Blah to Bling for Hardly Any Cha-Ching!" (Sorry that was cheesy- I know...)

I was itching to do a quick and (keyword) CHEAP project in my guest bathroom. I walk past the door everyday, and although my vanity was not offensive, it was definitely nothing to write home about. Pretty standard...

This photo is actually the vanity in my master bathroom, they are identical.

I had considered painting it, but because the plumbing was already hooked up and I could not pull it away from the wall far enough to get to all the sides.

So scratch that off the list.

After doing a little Googlin' and I found this beauty:

A light bulb went off and I though "Ah-ha! I can do that!"

But before I made the commitment of adhering something to the doors with glue that could cause some serious damage, I had to do a little test. I took some aluminum foil and taped it to the door to give a faux mirrored look (if you squint eyes enough and have a good imagination).

Again, this is actually my master bathroom, but you get the gist...

Loves it! So the next step was to measure the inner panel of the doors and the one exposed side- length and width. Or in my case measure 3 times just to make sure I am not losing my mind and reading the ruler incorrectly or mixing up numbers when writing them down.

So off to Lowe's I went. I had called ahead to make sure they were had mirrored glass in stock and that they had the ability to cut it on site. If you don't have a home improvement store that can do this, then you can try any local glass shop and place a special order. Lowe's has sheets as big as 20inx30in in stock so keep that in mind when deciding what piece of furniture you want to glamorize.

For a mere $17 I had all of my mirrors cut and and a tube of industrial strength glue (mine was called "Strongstik"). I will admit that once I got home and actually read the directions on the glue it said "Not recommended for: Mirrors". Whoops! But I like to live life on the edge and went for it anyway:)

I wiped down the vanity to remove any dust or dirt to prep for the glue. Then I squeezed nickle sized globs on back of the mirrors (about 1" in form the edge on all 4 corners) and then did a big X across the center to ensure all will stick. I crossed my fingers and stuck the mirror on the door. I pressed it in place making sure the whole piece was flush against the wood- repeating this process on the other door and the one exposed side. I taped all the edges with painters tape while it set up and dried for 24 hours.

Finally, I removed the tape, and voila! A glammed up vanity for $17 and a about 5 minutes of installation time.

Possibilities are endless with this project- dressers, closets, even kitchen cabinets!

Thanks for checking out my DIY adventures, and I can't wait to share more easy and creative projects with you all. Kerry and I will be working on a few projects together so keep an eye out for those too!

XOXO Katie

P.S. Have you ever done a quick and easy makeover that made a real difference in your space?? Tell us about it!

Once in a lifetime LOVE.

2012-01-27T14:30:00.007-05:00

I have had a pet peeve recently. It really annoys me when a girl in a very serious relationship or a married girl, feels the need to go on about how she "IS STILL HER OWN PERSON"! Well hello, aren't we all our "own person"? It's like, just because you're attached to this other person, some girls seems to get extra defensive about really showing that they haven't changed. I guess now that I am married, I seem to notice this more because people are always asking, "so how is married life?" -- as if I am going to give some life altering answer. Usually, I keep it simple and say "wonderful", well because it is. But our life together was wonderful before we got married.

This September, a best friend casually mentioned that I'd changed since getting married. I had to laugh because at that point I had been married for 3 months. I felt the words, "NO I HAVEN'T " form in my mouth almost immediately. Instead, I laughed it off and gave her a smile. We have been best friends since 9th grade and we always beat each other up a bit and she knows exactly how to get me going.

I thought about her words for a month, and then I realized that maybe I have changed...but for the better and the change didn't happen after I got married, it happened when I started dating MMB. From the very beginning, MMB made me laugh and smile a whole lot more. Most importantly, he made me realize to let the little things go...as you can see from the above situation. If anything, MMB made me more fun and a little less serious. He is the best person I know and he has always made me want to be the best version of myself.

I had a conversation with a different friend and I found myself saying that "MMB is my top priority (besides myself) and comes first when I think about most things." I told her that he has been my #1 for a really long time and that is how I knew he was the one I wanted to spend my life with. I bring this up because those same girls who seem to want to tell you they haven't changed or are still their own person, always seem to push their most important relationship on the back burner. I don't get it.

So after all this rambling, I guess I am just trying to say, yes I hear you. I am still my "own person" also, just a better version of the one you may remember. And yes, I LOVE all my girlfriends and always make time for them, whether it's girls night or a girls trip or just a phone conversation to my besties in NYC. But, MMB is number 1 and I know I am his number 1, and that makes me pretty happy! He is my once in lifetime love and every morning I remember just how lucky I am.

27 is a hard age, we are all in different spots. Some of us are single and loving it, some of us are married and some of us even have babies! I think we all just have to realize, we always are who we are, we just stretch and twist to fit our lives and that is okay.

once in a lifetime love...

The DIY Itch...

2012-01-26T18:53:00.006-05:00

Recently I have really had the DIY itch. I see a lot of people posting great pictures of things they have created and of course they make it seem so simple! I know it really isn't that simple, but I think I could tackle some of the projects. One of my friends, Katie, is a DIY mastermind, you should see her place, it's amazing. I am so excited to announce that Katie is going to be doing some guest posts here on Monograms & Martinis, and I know you are all going to be obsessed with her projects. She is also going to help me complete a few DIY projects of my own! Stay tuned and let us know what types of projects you would like to see!

Loving this dresser project seen in House of Fifty:

Monograms off Madison...HIRING!

2012-01-25T21:24:00.004-05:00

Alyssa, owner of A. Tierney and Monograms off Madison is hiring! You all know I worked at A. Tierney for a number of years and absolutely loved it. Actually, if I was living in New York, I would be taking this job!

Alyssa is looking for a few new employees - part-time and full-time for her shop - Monograms off Madison. Retail experience is preferred but she will train! Please forward this to anyone you think might be interested...babysitters, friends, family!

Resumes should be emailed to alyssa@monogramsoffmadison.com

RUN to the nearest Banana Republic!

2012-01-24T15:41:00.008-05:00

I decided to head to Banana Republic this afternoon, I heard there were some great sales and I wanted to check it out. I am SO happy I went. I bought 2 pairs of shoes, 2 tops and a pair of dress pants for $95! Hello, amazing! I would run to the nearest Banana Republic as soon as possible!

I saved more than I spent!

I thought these boots were fun and different...love the color!

I can't wait to wear these with a skirt :)

This sweater is such a cute staple and I love the button detail on the back.

I think I paid $10 for it!

I also bought a classic red and navy striped boat-neck tee, adore it. Also $10!

I love the dress pants also, great staple to have in the closet.

What sales have you shopped lately?

Valentine's Day Wreath...

2012-01-23T17:42:00.006-05:00

I am back from New York, this weekend simply went to fast! I love being home and I enjoyed every moment of the 72 hours I was there. Today, I spent most of the day catching up on errands and getting organized for the week. I also got have lunch with a fabulous blogger friend, Katie, from Queen Bee Swain. When I got back from lunch, I was planning on cleaning...yeah didn't happen. I decided I wanted to make a Valentine's Day wreath instead. Hopsy over at Monograms & Manicures posted about her fabulous DIY wreath yesterday and I decided I just had to give it a try. I like the way it turned out, so festive. I think I need to get some more boas to make it look a bit more full. You can get step-by-step directions on how to make your own wreath over at Hopsy's blog.

Quick and easy!

So festive :)

I also wanted to share this picture of the beautiful flowers

my Mom and I did for a shower on Saturday...just loved the way they turned out.

classic.

2012-01-19T22:58:00.001-05:00

After an absolutely horrible and disturbing week at school, I am so, so happy to be flying home to NY tomorrow morning. This little video brought a smile to my face...

Our Wedding featured in The Knot magazine!

2012-01-16T13:56:00.007-05:00

Today was an exciting mail day! The Spring/Summer 2012 issue of The Knot magazine was in my mailbox and Our Wedding is featured in this issue! I am thrilled. I have to say it was kind of surprising to see which pictures were chosen for the spread, they had access to all 2000 photos from our Big Day and it was interesting to see which pictures are in the magazine. But that is the thing about editorial, it's not "your voice"! Well I am off to flip through the whole issue!

It's here!

exciting :)

still LOVE my flowers!

one happy bride right now!

Flowers...

2012-01-12T16:34:00.005-05:00

In 2012, I would love to perfect my flower arranging skills. It is something I love to do but I am a total amateur at it. I need to see if I can find a class or something, it would be great to take with some friends. Do you like arranging flowers?

Here are a couple of rules I use now when arranging a bouquet...

*Choose a long-stemmed, color flower (a peony, for example) displayed on its own in a "test-tube" type case.

How fun is this vase?

*Opt for an all-white bouquet (never fails).

Love the blue vase against the white flowers.

*Or you can fill your house with plants in beautiful pots!

Making Girlfriends...

2012-01-10T17:33:00.003-05:00

So I have written on here before about making girlfriends as an adult...it's harder than you think. I feel so lucky that when I moved here (to Boston for the Hubs!) 2 years ago, that my best friend from college lived here. I think I would have been totally lost without her. 2 years later, I have about 7 really good girlfriends in Boston and I feel thankful for that. It's weird trying to make new friends, especially when you left a place where you had tons of them all around you. Oh, I still miss you New York! I still laugh when I'm waiting for a new girlfriend to text me back...I swear it's like you are dating. So weird! Making couple friends is weird too, but that is for a different day. I stumbled across this blog, MWF Seeking BFF, and I laughed out loud. You have to check it out. I think so many of us can relate to what she writes about! Any of you out there seeking a new BFF in your city?

check it out

Castaway Clothing Winter SALE!

2012-01-10T12:23:00.001-05:00

The hubs company, Castaway Clothing is having their annual winter SALE!

Don't miss out, check it out now!

Shop the sale!

Lean Body Challenge!

2012-01-09T17:34:00.008-05:00

Today was the first day of the Lean Body Challenge I am participating in and I am wiped -- I'm thinking it is because I have no carbs in my system. My trainer, who I have been working with since before my wedding, created a 28 Day diet plan. It's pretty tough. No dairy, no gluten...nothing fun, haha kidding (not really). I am excited about the next 28 days because I thought it would be great way to kick off the New Year and shed those pesky 8 pounds that somehow have creeped on since the wedding. I am looking forward to seeing my results!

Here is what I can't have during the next 28 days:

And some things I CAN have...

Dinner last night:

Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
1 cup Traditional Quinoa
2 cups water
4 large Green Peppers
1 medium onion diced
½ lb. fresh mushroom diced
1 – 28 oz can tomatoes, coarsely diced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 – 12 oz jar of salsa
*We also added turkey sausage, and other seasonings for taste.

Pre-heat oven to 325. Cook quinoa following directions on package. Steam the peppers until soft not limp. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and mushrooms. Add the diced tomatoes. Add crushed garlic and salsa and sausage. Cook over medium heat. Fold in quinoa. Place peppers in baking dish and fill with quinoa mixture. Bake at 325 for 30-35 mins.

Breakfast this morning!

Ingredients for Power Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Servings 2-3

(strive to use all organic ingredients)

1/2 Cup Organic quinoa (the white kind, there is also a red kind, which I’m sure will taste good too, but I have not actually experimented with it.)
1 can coconut milk
1 tbs. coconut oil
2-3 tbs. crushed raw walnuts
1-2 tbs. dried cranberries (omit for Phase 1, OK to use for Phase 2)
1/2 tsp. pure organic vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt

Directions

Cook the quinoa in the coconut milk, coconut oil, and sea salt in a medium saucepan on low for about 25-30 minutes until it is fluffy. Cooking tip: You can keep the lid partially on. Just be careful because the coconut milk can get really hot and overflow if you don’t give it some air.
Add the vanilla extract towards the end of cooking.
Serve with crushed walnuts, cranberries (in Phase 2 only) and a drizzle of coconut oil on top.

*recipe by Sirena my trainer!

Getting the perfect closet.

2012-01-05T18:27:00.007-05:00

I have always been really bad at organizing my closet. Somehow I think a well-organized closet can be the start to a wonderful 2012. I know the first thing to do is "edit" my wardrobe - again something I am not very good at. I just always think I will wear that horrendous sweater one day...I think that is just where I am going to start tomorrow. Getting rid of the items I know I haven't worn in a long time and I know I probably won't wear anytime soon.

*Step two will be to organize my clothes. Pants with pants, putting all my t-shirts together, sweaters neatly stacked (dare I say sorted by color?!). I also need to separate my clothes by season.

ahh neatly stacked sweaters.

*I also want to have only one type of hanger in my closet. I pretty much do but those pesky dry-cleaning hangers always manage to hang around. I love these thin black velvet hangers and plan on getting more tomorrow.

*I want to SEE everything I have...not an easy job but if I can't see if, I don't wear it.

*I want to organize all of my jewelry and accessories. I have such beautiful baubles and accessories but never wear them because I can't see them. I like the idea of using Plexiglas boxes to house my jewelry and things...so much easier to choose once you can see everything.

Love this storage system also.

*Oh, shoes. Seriously, I have way too many. But I need to do the whole "photograph your shoe" thing. I am going to use a Polaroid and take pictures of my shoes and put them on the outside of their boxes. I can't tell you how many messes I have made when I'm ripping apart shoe boxes in my closet, looking for that certain pair.

love it.

Have you organized your closet? How?!

More importantly, can you come do mine!!!!!

I think it would be so fun to do a vlog on our closets!

The Navy Sweater.

2012-01-04T20:49:00.005-05:00

One of my Christmas gifts from MMB was a gorgeous navy cashmere sweater. I just love it, such a classic and essential look to have in your closet. It's understated yet sophisticated.

How to wear your cashmere navy sweater:

*With white jeans. The two were just made for each other.

*With black pants...hello chic color combinations .

*With flats for that "easy chic" look.

*With heels and bangles for evening.

Admit it, sometimes black sweaters are just too easy!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T17:39:00.009-05:00

I have to say I think 2011 is going to be hard to beat. Marrying MMB was by far the best thing that has happened in my life! However, I am so excited for our future together and growing stronger as a couple everyday. I truly am the luckiest girl in the world (at least I think so)! I think my goals or resolutions for 2012 is just to be the best me I can be...I want to be the best wife, daughter, sister and friend that I can be. I want to be happy everyday and see the good in even the bad days. I don't want to worry so much about the future but rather enjoy the present. I am wishing you all a very healthy and happy 2012! I think it is going to be a wonderful year!

My favorite part of 2011:

My sisters, MMB and me ringing in 2012!

We lost a very special man on December 30th, my grandfather.

We will miss him very much

and feel so blessed that we all spent Christmas Day with him this year.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there... I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow...
I am the diamond glints on snow...
I am the sunlight on ripened grain...
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you waken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of gentle birds in circling flight...
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry—
I am not there... I did not die...

Sláinte

Christmas 2011 Recap!

2011-12-28T15:30:00.021-05:00

We had a wonderful Christmas and I hope you all did also. I still can't really believe that MMB and I have already had our first Christmas as Husband and Wife, time is flying by...Our 1st Christmas was everything I could have hoped for and I feel so truly blessed. However, this year was a bit crazy for us. We decided we wanted to spend it with both sides of the family! A little harder than it seems when my family is in NY and his is in Boston. We decided to do Christmas Eve with his family and then wake up Christmas morning and head right down to NY to spend the day with my family. It actually worked out perfectly but I can't say that I didn't have a holiday break down or two in the days leading up to Christmas. Santa MMB and Santas Mama and Papa G were so very generous in their gift giving and I know I am one lucky girl!

Our first married Christmas Tree!

I made this card wreath last year and I still love it...

but I also filled up the front of the fridge with cards, guess I need another card wreath.

Just love seeing our cute family and friends!

Santa Came!

We spent Christmas Eve with MMB's family.

Here is our niece CEB wearing her monogrammed apron

and chef hat that we gave to her -- so cute!

After Christmas Eve Dinner, we headed home to open up our gifts.

MMB loved his signed Larry Bird jersey...Santa Wifey did good!

Here I am wearing 2 of my fun gifts,

my Christmas pajamas and my Kate Spade Bow Hat!

The aftermath...

We made it to NY on Christmas morning

and I got into my matching pajamas with my sisters.

My sister MKG got MMB a cute gag gift...

a beer holster!

Beautiful Table!

Our first married Christmas!

A couple of things that I am loving right now...

2011-12-20T19:00:00.005-05:00

Ahh, I can't believe Christmas will be here on Sunday. I feel like I have been running around like a chicken without a head. I am so, so very excited for our first MARRIED Christmas but I am also so sad not to be spending Christmas Eve with my family. We will be doing Christmas Eve with MMB's family here in Boston and then waking up bright and early on Christmas morning and driving down to NY to spend time with my family! This means I have to be extra organized and have all my gifts wrapped and ready to go since we will be hitting the road so early on Christmas Day. How do you all split your Holiday's?

Totally random but I am loving 2 things right now...

The first is this fabulous sweater from Banana Republic, I actually have it red and just LOVE it. So soft and it looks great on, I have worn it with jeans and cords. I am going to be picking this sweater up in every color after Christmas (hello SALES!).

Button-Cowlneck Sweater

These totes from Ballard Designs are awesome!

I have ordered a few and put gifts inside them. Love the look.

And at $12, how can you beat it!

Great Read!

2011-12-15T17:23:00.003-05:00

Really loved this article entitled...

"30 Things To Stop Doing To Yourself"

You Can Read It Here!

A lot of it was things we already know but it is always good to be reminded.

#7 Really hit home with me,

especially with my professional life and getting the KAGency going!

#5 Is something I am always working on and I get a little better at it everyday.

#22 Is what life is all about, right?!

Which of these 30 things really resonate with you?

Black Elastics...

2011-12-14T19:03:00.006-05:00

I have a connection with my black hair elastics...you rarely see me without one on my right wrist. My Mom joked that I would have one on my wrist at my wedding, yes laugh, but what was pulled off my wrist before I put on my dress. Oh, you know just a black elastic. I think it is a comfort thing, I mean I even do it when I am heading to a nice wedding and I have had a blowout and I know I am NOT going to be putting my hair up but I just have to have the elastic, just in case. I mean I always try to cover it with a watch or my David Yurman bracelets but it's there. Now that I am a married lady and 27, I think it is time to give my black elastics to the elastics fairy....

To help me transition, I have found a few pony holders that masquerade as jewelry!

Rock-Candy pony holders from L. Erickson - love these!

Teardrop Pony Holder from Colette Malouf - this would be perfect for school!

Twistbands!

Super fun, look great for working out and claims not to dent or damage hair!

Please tell me I am not the only one with an affection for black elastics?!

Loving.

2011-12-13T12:54:00.005-05:00

One of the wedding presents my sisters gave me was a custom monogrammed (my new monogram) necklace. They had it made by our family jeweler and I just LOVE it. Such a thoughtful and special gift. Obviously it is a keepsake item and was pricey, not something you're going to give to your girlfriend as a Holiday gift. But I just found a fun alternative by Moon and Lola. They have created an acrylic monogram necklace that comes in 20 shades!

You can't see the detail in this picture but you get the idea!

Close Up!

Moon and Lola Necklace...$58

Classic monogram necklace but bolder, more colorful and acrylic.

Holiday Entertaining...Host a Cookie Swap!

2011-12-12T17:05:00.000-05:00

This post is part of today's link-up over at According to Nina...

I love the Holiday Season for many reasons but one of the main reasons is because there is always an excuse to throw a party! Last week I hosted a cookie swap for my girlfriends. We had a great time and it was such a fun evening. The great thing about hosting a cookie swap is that it can be as formal or as informal as you want. I decided to make mine somewhere in between. I am pretty busy this month so instead of making myself crazy by having to do all the cooking, each guest brought cookies and an appetizer. I made 3 hot and heavy appetizers since I was hosting. It worked out perfectly and we had so much food! I also asked all the girls to bring a printed copy of their cookie and appetizer recipe for each guest, a fun little extra.

Delicious Cookies!

(heart the be merry sign!)

I put together these fun little boxes

for the girls to put their cookies in!

I got the boxes from Oriental Trading and I printed off the labels!

I made tented cards for all the different cookies!

My Peanut Butter Blossoms

Thought these cocktail napkins were so fun!

Nantucket Stroll Video!

2011-12-11T21:30:00.002-05:00

I took a little video while we were on Nantucket for Stroll weekend. It actually wasn't as much video as I thought I had taken but you will get to see a little bit of town and the mini planes we fly over to the island on! Hope everyone had a great weekend. We are heading back to Boston tomorrow and I do not want to leave FL!

Wedding Ornament by the dahl house!

2011-12-04T13:35:00.004-05:00

Our favorite new ornament this year

was created by the dahl house!

It is our wedding ornament and I just LOVE it!

I have written about the dahl house many times on this blog. It is just such a wonderful company and Whitney (the owner) is so talented and thoughtful. To design our wedding ornament, she actually took the time to look through our wedding photos to get the feel of our big day. Our monogram, date and the colors blue and yellow were consistently seen throughout our wedding and I am happy that they are reflected in the ornament.

The ornaments make great Holiday gifts for everyone on your list. At this time of year, I am going to so many Christmas parties and I have already ordered ornaments for all of the hostesses! At just $15, the ornaments are priced perfectly for a hostess gift and I just know they will love them!

Use the code HOLIDAY20 to receive 20% off your order at the dahl house. The code is valid through tomorrow December 5th! So, shop now!

Be sure to like the dahl house on Facebook, they will be holding a special giveaway on Facebook in the next week or so...you won't want to miss out!

and we're off to ACK for Stroll Weekend!

2011-12-02T17:58:00.004-05:00

Happy December! We are off to Nantucket for Stroll Weekend. It is one of my favorite weekends of the Christmas season and one of my favorite traditions with MMB, this year will be extra special because I will walking around the island with my Husband (still love saying that!). Stroll weekend is such an enchanting time, everyone comes back to the island and all the stores, shops, and restaurants are open! There are even carolers singing Christmas songs and all of the stores decorate a Christmas tree on Main Street, of course, I think Murray's has the best tree! Be sure to follow me on Twitter and Facebook, I will be posting lots of pics and happenings from Nantucket this weekend!

Heart ACK!

I finished my ornament wreath.

Now I just need a to hang it!

I also finished addressing my Christmas cards, now I just need to stuff and stamp them.

It's starting to look a lot like Christmas!