... of the day {quote}

a quote for you to take into the weekend with you.

{found on my favorite blog www.lovemaegan.com}

If you hope to expand

You should first learn how to contract.

If you hope to become strong

You should first understand weakness in yourself.

If your ambitions are to be exalted

Humiliation should always follow.

If you hold fast to something

It will surely be taken away from you.

This is the operation of the subtle law of the universe.

The law of the universe is subtle,

But it can be known.

The soft and the meek can overcome the hard and the strong.

The true strength of a country or a person is not on the outside.

Just as fish cannot leave the deep

One must never stray from one's true nature...

{LAO TZU}

Oh, say can you see...

... your little stars show their monogrammed red, white & blue. These custom made outfits are perfect for your Independence Day parades, picnics & activities. Order early as they take three weeks to produce prior to shipping. 

 

      

Polka Dots Stationery: Red, White & Blue

... of the day {quote}

Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which 

escape those who dream only by night. -Edgar Allan Poe

melissa & doug have arrived at polka dots!

You are familiar with melissa & doug's quality children's gifts, right?

everything from classic puzzles to grow your child's mind, to soft play things for the new tiny

and retro magnetic dolls that every 4 year old girl will adore to play with.  These make great quality birthday gifts or a reward gift for your little sugar or spice!

Stop in or contact to us to purchase!

talk: 803.548.3888 | type: orders@polkadotsstationery.com

not another bad apple!

teacher gifts

It's that time to give your children's teacher a token of your appreciation for helping to mold your little, into a well mannered, intelligent, grateful, loving and kind individual.

When you you have more than one little, with more than more one teacher, the costs can add up.  Here are a few special teacher gift ideas without breaking the bank or resorting to the overdone apple gifts or coffee mug!

me bath ice cream (shown in the picture)

memo cubes

note cards

badge reel

a polka dots gift card - have the entire class, contribute $5  per teacher and go in on a gift card!        

boutique chocolates ( for those locals - we heart the chocolate boutique)

MomAgendas

MomAgendas are in! 

Hurry~ they are going fast!

call 803.548.3888

(will take orders, if we are out of stock)

You have a lot to celebrate!

Graduation Time!

The months of May & June mark the end of another school year. For many it signifies the final step of graduating from high school or college.  As parents, we wonder where did the time go? As students, it seemed that day would never come.

As a student, I counted down the years to high school graduation. 12 long years. 7 years of middle & high school drama. Then the 4 study filled years of college, to which the end of that presents itself with the scary realization of finding a job, a career.

Now, as a mother of two tinys, both under the age of 5, I already feel time is flying by! My youngest starts pre-school next year, while it will be my oldest last year of pre-school. Feels like yesterday I was bringing each of them home from the hospital.

So, as graduation is upon us, whether you are the parent of a preschooler {who next year is off to kindergarten},  the high school graduate {looking towards the next step},  or the college student {looking online at monster.com} CELEBRATE!  

This is the time to make memories & mark those special occasions with a party.  And who doesn't need a reason to celebrate?

It's time to order! Shop Polka Dots Stationery for your graduation celebration party invitations!  Turn around time apx. 1 week prior to shipping.  

Just for our Connect the Dots Readers: Use coupon code 2009GRAD at checkout to receive 20% off! Offer good  5/13  thru 5/15 only!

preppy posh

                   
    
I have finally snapped some pics of the new office. 

It's so great to have an nice office finally! Esp. after working in conditions which much resembled a dungeon. Our preppy posh office is about 80% done (just need some time for the finishing touches. oh, and a man with a drill & a level)

Flooring: yes, that is faux grass :)

Desks: DIY, built with flat pocket doors & sawhorses

Bulletin Boards: fabric coverage, large Styrofoam sheets

White Bookshelves: Lowe's Hardware

Lamps, Chairs & Various Accessories: Ikea & Local Stores

Monogrammed Mousepad & Coffee Tumbler: Guess? Polka Dots Stationery ;)

-k

... of the day {party etiquette}

Summer & bbqs are upon us!  

As we going into the weekend i thought this would be a good opportunity to address the hostess gift.

What is a hostess gift?

A hostess gift is a gift that you give the hostess. This happens at occasions when someone had to do all the work in preparing the event or evening to which you were invited. To show your appreciation, you should bring the hostess a gift, w way to tell them thanks for their hard work and generosity. Giving a hostess gift is not mandatory but it shows good manners. Hostess gifts do not have to be extravagant by any means. A bottle of wine- in a wine bag, to show it's a gift, fun cocktail napkins, wine stoppers, flowers, coffee mug, chocolates, etc.. 

When not to bring a hostess gift? 

If you were asked to contribute a food item or drinks, then a hostess gift is not necessary. 

Happy Friday!   -k

cocktail napkins pictured above by mcwright are sold at polka dots flagship store. call for more details. 803-548-3888

... of the day {grammar}

stationEry: writing materials 

stationAry: not moving. standing still

-k

... of the day {quote}

quote of the day:

A quote should move you without explanation.  This is a top ten quote for me.  -k

Today is life -the only life you are sure of. Make the most of today. Get interested in something. Shake yourself awake. Develop a hobby. Let the winds of enthusiasm sweep through you. Live today with gusto.  -Dale Carnegie

fabulous fiesta!

may 5th.  have margaritas on the mind? 

or getting ready for a fabulous fiesta?

(you did buy your invitations 

from www.polkadotsstationery.com, right?)

i personally have a guacamole addiction ~ an obsession with the avocado if you will.  here's a super yummy guacamole recipe because no cince de mayo would be complete without guac! -k. 

Guacamole Autentico 

Ingredients 4 ripe avocados, peeled, seeded 1 tsp ground cumin 1 ripe, medium Roma tomato, seeded, diced ½ Cup minced sweet white onion 2 serrano chilies, seeded, minced ¼ Cup chopped cilantro leaves 4 Tbsp fresh lime juice Hot pepper sauce, sea salt, white pepper to taste

Instructions Cut avocado in large chunks and mash coarsely in large bowl with a fork. Add remaining ingredients and blend gently - leaving some small chunks is fine. Taste and adjust seasoning with more pepper sauce, salt and pepper if desired. recipe curtisoy of http://www.avocado.org

... of the day

a quick tip for the body, mind or soul. check in daily for one of the following.

body ~ tips & stories for a strong body & fashion forward trends

mind ~ an ettiquite tip of the day

soul  ~ a quote of the day 

photography by danielle marquis | visit: www.daniellemarquis.com