Connect the Dots

Wedding Bowls

2010-09-30T08:45:00.000-04:00

Today is my 9th Wedding Anniversary. I was given one of these custom pottery bowls as a wedding gift. It was and to this day is my most favorite gift to have received. And we still is it frequently; unlike our China.

It has since become my staple wedding gift and I believe most of the recipients feel the same way about it as I do :)

They make a great anniversary gift too!

-k

Wedding Wednesday - FAIL

2010-09-29T07:54:00.000-04:00

Why printing your own invitations is usually a bad idea. Click Here for Video.

TWITTER TUESDAY

2010-09-28T13:44:00.003-04:00

Find today's tweet with the special code :)

wedding wednesday - FAIL

2010-09-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

Since, the wedding invitation section of the website will not be updated for a few months, I have decided to put a different spin on Wedding Wednesday.

I don't feel much like talking about invitations without having the items on the website. And yes, I could talk about etiquette and such, but this seems a little more fun.

So till welcome to Wedding Wednesday- FAIL. Just a quick pic, video or a small funny wedding fail story. Perhaps it'll add a little chuckle to hump day :)

twitter tuesday

2010-09-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Look for a tweet today to see what today's offer it is :)

(use the code at check out)

oh, boy.

2010-09-20T13:42:00.005-04:00

Agh! We've done some back end website work & we lost our baby section of invitations! I feel like the above picture. I'll be working non stop this week to get it back up! Please check back with us! Or if your looking for something specific- email us. info@polkadotsstationery.com

-k

TWITTER TUESDAY

2010-07-27T16:04:00.013-04:00

Tuesday, you always sneeks up on me. Monday, you can see coming, but not Tuesday.

So here we are, TWITTER TUESDAY. To get your minds thinking back to school we are doing a drawing for a free personalized lunchbox!

How to enter:

Find the tweet from Polka Dots regarding the drawing and re-tweet to your followers.

Your re-tweet enters you into the drawing. The more you re-tweet the the more entries you get. You have one week to re-tweet.

Winner will be picked by a random drawing and posted on Twitter next Tuesday, August 3, 2010.

What, your not on Twitter you say! Join & tweet us @PolkaDotsInc

Blogger, we meet again...

2010-07-27T15:24:00.007-04:00

So it happened again. My lapse on blogging. It's funny because I love blogging but as soon as things start getting crazy, blogging just doesnt make the list.

So what have we been up to since my last post? A lot. The biggest news - due to the downturn of the economy, Heather's new job and the addtion of baby #3 for me, we could not meet the demands of maintaing the storefront, the website and the party program. The storefont was the most demanding divison of the business with the least amount of reward. So after close to 6 years, we made the tough call to close it down.

Yesterday. I signed the released papers on storefront space.

Today though, we find ourselves in a great place. Our focus has been redirected we have big things planned for the two divisions of the company that we maintain.

I will not make promises to blog daily, as micro blogging on Twitter has become my new fav, but I will do better.

Polka Dots Storefront For Sale!

2010-04-21T21:25:00.005-04:00

Polka Dots Storefront For Sale!

ALL OFFERS WILL BE CONSIDERED!

If you have always dreamed of owning your own gift and stationery boutique, then now is your chance to capitalize on our investment. After 5 years in the local market, we have decided to sell our storefront located in Fort Mill, SC.

Included in the sale:

$30K in inventory

$8K in fixtures, hardware, software & equipment

Local customer base

2 weeks in-store training

Buyer assumes a very affordable 13-month lease in charming Baxter Village Market.

Not included in the sale – website, home party program and related domain names.

Serious inquiries please respond to buystore@polkadotsstationery.com

New Digs!

2010-01-05T09:17:00.000-05:00

We've Moved!

The retail storefront has moved & the hours have changed

New digs still in Baxter Town Center, just one block up.

Now @:

936 Market Street, Ste. 105 | Fort Mill, SC

Hours:

Monday: by appt

Tuesday - Friday 10-6

Saturday 10-5

still the same web address online :)

www.polkadotsstationery.com

farewell 2009 (& good riddens!)

2009-12-31T08:11:00.008-05:00

Not that 2009 was all bad, I had some amazing adventures & some big surprises(baby #3). BUT 2009 hit hard; some below the belt punches. So I am glad to be putting 2009 behind me & move into to 2010.

Resolutions: I love them. Not they always come to fruition but it i think its a great time to take stock of the past & make a plan for the future. So here are Polka Dots 2010 resolutions.

1. Be realistic. Adjust. The recession was nasty. While the website & party problem did not feel the effects, the storefront did. Forcing us to downsize. Things will never be the way they were before. They have improved but buying habits are different.

2. Blog more. Bringing back wedding wednesday and totaling 3 new posts per week.

3. Grow. Grow as a person, grow the website, grow the party program & grow the storefront sales. This is a big goal and because I will also be realistic (resolution#1) about what can be accomplished. I wont go into details of this is will happen. But being diligent, adjusting to circumstances (both in personal life & business) I am confident this can happen.

Wishing you...

a safe & fabulous New Years Eve | a happy, heathly 2010 | good luck on your resolutions

-k

i bailed...

2009-12-29T20:00:00.000-05:00

It's been a month since I've blogged. December was a month of mixed feelings. Low retail storefront sales, amazing web & party sales (u rock party girls!), the packing & planning of the storefront & headquarters move, my personal health issues etc...

So I bailed on blogging. My mood was not such that I felt I good offer a fair perspective on Polka Dots happenings or products. If you've been keeping up w/ me on twitter - you know.

But alas, I'm back. What has snapped me out of the funk? Perhaps it's the closing of the year, the opportunities for a fresh start, the visions I have for 2010 and the excitement that I have for the website & party program & storefront. And perhaps it's all of it. Regardless I hope you continue follow Polka Dots we Connect the Dots for 2010.

-k

Rules to play the above game: Each player takes turns drawing a line between a pair of dots. The dots must be adjacent, but can be anywhere on the page. The goal is to close four sides of a box. Each time you create a box, you get a point; then you take another turn. The player who creates the most boxes wins.

CYBER Monday 2009

2009-11-30T12:56:00.003-05:00

It's CYBER Monday! SAVE TODAY!

Use coupon code CYBER at checkout

and enjoy 15% off your total order!

Order those holiday photo cards and personalized & monogrammed gifts before the Christmas cut-off dates!

SHOP TODAY & SAVE!

LOCAL PEEPS! BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

2009-11-17T11:43:00.007-05:00

We're Moving!
Polka Dots Stationery & Gifts Retail Storefront & Headquarters
is MOVING!!

But don't worry - not far!
Over the next month and a half we'll be getting things
in order to move to our new pad on Market Street.
(we couldn't leave Baxter Village!)

New Location as of January 1st will be
Market Street
(formerly the Old Mill Store | between Sweet Peppers & Page Six)

With moving into a smaller space we'll need your help to
take advantage of our MOVING SALES!
(perfect timing with the holiday shopping season - lucky you!)

**Starting with all in-house cardstock invitations at 50% off! Buy today & bring it back to be printed when you need it.**
(sale not applicable to special orders, webor party program sales | sale for a limited time | valid at the storefront location only)

More sales to come! Stop by the storefront today!
Polka Dots Stationery & Gift
Baxter Town Center | Market Street
Mon-Fri 10-6 & Sat 10-5

and the winner is...

2009-11-16T14:31:00.002-05:00

@spiralgypsy!

ok, it's not an Oscar but still pretty cool!

SAY CHEESE! DRAWING for $75 OFF!!!

Win a $75 Credit on any DIGITAL HOLIDAY PHOTO CARDS!

@spiralgypsy email me at sales@polkadotsstationery.com

and i'll get you all the details & a coupon code.

btw: follow @spiralgypsy on twitter!

SAY CHEESE! DRAWING for $75 OFF EXTENDED!!!

2009-11-11T11:32:00.002-05:00

Win a $75 Credit on any DIGITAL HOLIDAY PHOTO CARDS!

THE RULES:

*Contest runs from today, Weds. Nov 4th thru Fri. Nov 13th, 2009

*One entry per email. *Get a bonus entry when you sign up to "follow" our blog.

*Winner will be randomly selected by Miss LP & will be notified via email & blog posting by Mon. Nov 16th.

*Winner must make digital photo card selection & submit a digital photo to be used with-in one week of being notified of winning.

HOW TO ENTER:

*Please email to :: sales@polkadotsstationery.com with your name & address in the email body and in the subject line: $75

BLOGGERS, HOST THE CONTEST:

Get a bonus entry for Hosting our Drawing! Email us when you have the drawing posted to your blog. Every day you blog or re-post, let us know & receive a bonus entry!

TWEETERS:

For every Tweet advertising the Drawing, get a bonus entry.

be sure to include @PolkaDotsInc in your tweet so we know!

So send us your email, become a connect the dots blog follower, blog about it your friends & get those tweets out! You could have $75 coming to you!

(p.s.: we have lots of great give aways lined up this month!)

-k

www.polkadotsstationery.com

THE FINE PRINT:

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR

WIN. A purchase will not improve your chances of winning.

ELIGIBILITY: Contest open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, 18 years of age or older as of 11/1/09. Employees of Polka Dots, Inc and party reps from Polka Dots Party Girls, its subsidiaries, affiliated companies, or agents, and the employee’s household or immediate family members (defined as parent, spouse, child, sibling, or grandparent) are NOT eligible to enter Contest.

PRIZES AWARDED AT CONCLUSION OF CONTEST: One prize of a $75 website credit good towards any digital holiday photo card

will be awarded. Items chosen by winner will be calculated at their full retail value and will not include any discounts or promotional pricing.

Shipping of products will by UPS Ground service. Shipping costs for any ‘Direct Ship Item’ will be incurred by contest winner.

DRAWING: The drawing will take place within 2 days of Contest end. The random drawing for the $75 digital photo card credit will be awarded at the conclusion of the Contest and will take place on or about 11/16/09. All drawings will be conducted by Polka Dots, Inc whose decision on all matters related to this Contest shall be final and binding. A participant selected as a potential winner must comply with all terms and conditions set forth in these official rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all such requirements. Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received for each drawing.

NOTIFICATION: Potential winners for the prizes awarded at the conclusion of the Contest will be notified by email within about 2 days of drawing, and must reply by email within fourteen (7) days of email notice of selection of card & must supply a digital photo to be used by this time. Failure to comply with the requirements of this paragraph (or the return of any prize or prize notification as non-deliverable) may result in disqualification and in the forfeiture of any right to a prize, in which case prize will be awarded to an alternate by random drawing.

E-MAIL ADDRESS: Online entries will be deemed to have been submitted by the natural person who is the authorized account holder of the submitted e-mail address at the time of entry (proof thereof may be required of winner).

RELEASE: By participating, and/or accepting a prize, a participant/winner agrees to defend, release and hold harmless Moss Motors Ltd. and its subsidiaries, affiliates, divisions, advertising and promotion agencies and the foregoing companies officers, directors, shareholders, employees, representatives and agents (collectively "Releasees") from and against any actions, claims and/or liability for injury, loss or damage of any kind, including any for the violation or infringement of any proprietary or personal right of any individual or entity, resulting in whole or in part from participation in the Contest, and/or the use or acceptance of a prize, and/or participation in a prize related activity. By

participating and/or accepting a prize, a participant/winner consents to and gives Polka Dots, Inc. the right to photograph/video the winner, the winner's property (including the prize), and in perpetuity to use winner's/participant's names, address and personal

information, and the winner's picture/portrait, likeness, voice, biographical information, prize information, statements, quotes and winner submitted photographs and descriptive information, in whole or in part, as may be adapted, edited, or modified, as solely

determined by Moss Motors, Ltd. for advertising, trade, publicity and promotional purposes in any media now known or hereafter discovered, worldwide, and on the World Wide Web, without review, notification or approval, all without additional consideration,

unless prohibited by law. Entries will not be acknowledged or returned and Polka Dots, Inc, shall have the right to use, assign, edit, modify or dispose of an entry however they see fit without the approval of participant/winner.

CONDITIONS: Participants agree that by participating they release the Releasees from any liability in connection with: a) Entries that are ineligible as a result of being lost, late, illegible, damaged, incomplete, stolen, or misdirected; b) Any typographical or other

human or technical errors in the offer or administration of this Contest, including but not limited to errors in advertising, these official rules, the selection and announcement of winners or the distribution of prizes; c) Any omission, interruption, deletion, defect,

delay, misdirection, damage, injury, technical malfunctions or traffic congestion on the Internet/telephone network, or at any website, or any combination thereof. Polka Dots, Increserves the right to modify these rules for clarification purposes without materially affecting the terms and conditions of the Contest. In the event that the Contest is challenged by any legal or regulatory authority, or is infected by a computer virus/worm, or is not capable of running or being executed as planned (as a result of but not limited to an error, omission, defect, delay, misdirection, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, action of entrants, or technical failure) or any other cause which in the sole opinion

of Polka Dots, Inc., corrupts or affects the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Contest, Polka Dots, Inc. reserve the right in their sole discretion to disqualify participants residing in any affected geographic areas, to disqualify any suspect entry or entrant and to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Contest. In the event of any cancellation, termination, modification or suspension, notice

thereof will be posted at the website mentioned in rule 4 above, and the random selection of the winner(s) will be made as determined solely by Polka Dots, Inc. from among all eligible non-suspect and/or non-disqualified entries. In such event, Polka Dots, Inc. shall have no liability to any participant who is disqualified due to such an action. Failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. LAWS: Subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited or restricted.

Holiday Dresses & Long-Alls

2009-11-06T08:31:00.000-05:00

Bon Bon Holiday Dress & Long Alls

Made with the softest featherwale baby corduroy fabric, these dresses & long alls are a classic perfect for holiday gatherings! With a high waist, lined bodice and covered button shoulder closures, the dress is not only adorable but practical as well. Now available in larger sizes (from 3 months to size 6)
which makes it perfect for siblings! Complete your outfit by adding the matching diaper cover.
Long Alls are available in sizes up to 2T.

Available with or without embroidery.

Available with & with out monogram

Regular Price $52-60

with Monogram add $10

Lead time is 1-2 weeks prior to shipping.
several color options to choose from
SHOP HERE

SAY CHEESE! DRAWING for $75 OFF!

2009-11-04T11:11:00.011-05:00

Win a $75 Credit on any DIGITAL HOLIDAY PHOTO CARDS!

THE RULES:

*Contest runs from today, Weds. Nov 4th thru Weds. Nov 11, 2009

*One entry per email. *Get a bonus entry when you sign up to "follow" our blog.

*Winner will be randomly selected by Miss LP & will be notified via email & blog posting by Weds. Nov 18th.

*Winner must make digital photo card selection & submit a digital photo to be used with-in one week of being notified of winning.

HOW TO ENTER:

*Please email to :: sales@polkadotsstationery.com with your name & address in the email body and in the subject line: $75

BLOGGERS, HOST THE CONTEST:

Get a bonus entry for Hosting our Drawing! Email us when you the drawing posted to your blog. Every day you blog or re-post, let us know & receive a bonus entry!

TWEETERS:

For every Tweet advertising the Drawing, get a bonus entry.

be sure to include @PolkaDotsInc in your tweet so we know!

So send us your email, become a connect the dots blog follower, blog about it your friends & get those tweets out! You could have $75 coming to you!

(p.s.: we have lots of great give aways lined up this month!)

-k

www.polkadotsstationery.com

THE FINE PRINT:

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR

WIN. A purchase will not improve your chances of winning.

ELIGIBILITY: Contest open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, 18 years of age or older as of 6/1/07. Employees of Polka Dots, Inc and party reps from Polka Dots Party Girls, its subsidiaries, affiliated companies, or agents, and the employee’s household or immediate family members (defined as parent, spouse, child, sibling, or grandparent) are NOT eligible to enter Contest.

PRIZES AWARDED AT CONCLUSION OF CONTEST: One prize of a $75 website credit good towards any digital holiday photo card

will be awarded. Items chosen by winner will be calculated at their full retail value and will not include any discounts or promotional pricing.

Shipping of products will by UPS Ground service. Shipping costs for any ‘Direct Ship Item’ will be incurred by contest winner.

DRAWING: The drawing will take place within 2 days of Contest end. The random drawing for the $75 digital photo card credit will be awarded at the conclusion of the Contest and will take place on or about 11/18/09. All drawings will be conducted by Polka Dots, Inc whose decision on all matters related to this Contest shall be final and binding. A participant selected as a potential winner must comply with all terms and conditions set forth in these official rules, and winning is contingent upon fulfilling all such requirements. Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received for each drawing.

Operation: Card Time

2009-11-03T09:46:00.010-05:00

It's time to start thinking Christmas Cards :)

In this age of social media it's nice to receive a mailed Christmas Card. For many this is the only mailed correspondence that is sent to & received from family & friends So think ahead & order some super cute Christmas Cards {way better than those drugstore brands} and make your friends & family coo when they open your timeless Holiday Card.

Get those Christmas Cards crossed off your list early!

STEP 1: Pick out your picture or take it this week!

STEP 2: Shop online or stop by the storefront for that perfect Christmas Card, sure to make your friends & family coo when opened.

STEP 3: Order! Have your cards back by the end of Nov. & you are all set to mail out the first week of December!

Cross those cards off the Holiday to-do list, have yourself a cup of eggnog

& enjoy a little Holiday music. You deserve it after-all!

-k

www.polkadotsstationery.com

Monogrammed Bows

2009-10-28T16:46:00.003-04:00

If you house is anything like mine, with two girls - we are always losing hairbows (among other things).

Polka Dots has three collections of hairbows - Preppy, Pastel & Classic to replace those missing hairbows. Five Monogrammed Bows for just $27.50. Order now, so you have those bows for your holiday card picture!

-k

Magic, Minnie & Monograms

2009-10-19T09:05:00.001-04:00

Magical. That is Disney World. As we prepare to head farther south for our second Disney vacation this year {hey, dont' judge: i'm prego- there are not alot of vacation options for pregos}

I'd thought I'd share this super cute Minnie dress my sugar 'n spice will be sporting. Really, how could you plan a Disney vaca without ordering one of these! {imagine the pics w/ minnie herself!}

Remember- this is a custom made peice so order early!!! It takes 3-4 weeks to make before shipping. This dress includes FREE MONOGRAMMING- so customize it with your tinys name. click here to order :)

-k

HO HO HO - no it's not too early

2009-10-15T16:26:00.006-04:00

"Did you see they have their Christmas stuff out already. It's too early." This has been the most common sentence & twitter post I have seen within the last week.

No, it's not too early. Christmas in July: yes to early: but now in late October- no it is not too early. Being a small business owner in the retail, let me explain...

1- You need to be told when to shop. Yes, really you do. Anything custom takes time. If you dont' order it by mid-November - there is a good chance, you aren't getting that special monogrammed gift for neice Suzy. So planting the Christmas seed early, as a reminder, is a good thing. {You know you wait till last minute}

2- Christmas is a big deal. It takes a lot of manpower & money to set up holiday displays. Gotta make the most of it.

3- We gotta this sell stuff. That means all the Christmas trees, gingerbread houses and red & green stuff needs to be sold. Retailers can not afford to sit on Christmas inventory. So by displaying it an extra month early- it helps customers start thinking in that direction & gives us more time to move that inventory.

4- Retailers depend on holiday sales to either make or break the year. {esp. this year} That means selling a large volume of goods in just a few months. With all the choices consumers have, it allows you see the options available & then when the time is right for you personally- you can buy that santa snowglobe for your lawn :)

{and btw- you can expect to start seeing those blast emails for christmas}

-k

I promise i'll try harder this time!

2009-10-07T20:54:00.002-04:00

I did it again. Took a very long summer break from blogging. But wait- I have a good reason!

Upon my return from vacation I and the hubbie discovered we are expecting baby #3. {i know i must be crazy} But with that, just like the other two pregnancies, came the extreme all day sickness. I become a warm version of death. {seriously, it's that bad}

But I'm back. With my progestrone poisoning behind, I vow to get back on a blog roll. I am going to start slow- but promise to have new posts. promise.

Bonjour Paris!

2009-06-18T10:00:00.005-04:00

Square Diamonds Aqua & ChocolateTiny Dots Yellow & Chocolate with Motif#19

Yes, my friends I am off to the city of lights- Paris, France! {my first time} I am so excited I can hardly stand it. No kiddies, no work. Just the hubs & me taking a much needed adult vacation. {my last vaca was Disney World}

Of course, no vacation is complete without luggage. And luggage needs a tag. What earrings and a necklace is to your wardrobe - is what an id tag is to your luggage. No luggage is complete without it!

Order your stylish, personalized custom bag tag today before vacation hits! You don't want your bag to be seen with those un-hip airline tags do you?

Seen above: I ordered the square diamonds for Paris and the tiny dots yellow for our beach trip next month. :)

-k

Wedding Wednesday, Fruit and Flowers

2009-06-17T07:18:00.000-04:00

Skip to your local produce stand or grocery store and start getting creative! Polka Dots has seen an increasing trend in incorporating fruit into their wedding day decor. Instyle Weddings has listed celebrities such as Jason Priestly and his wife Naomi Lowde, and Law & Order actress Stephanie Marsh to incorporate this trend into their big day.

As seen in InStyleWeddings :

www.instyleweddings.com/weddings/gallery/0,,20170681_20392690,00.html

Here are some great one of a kind budget friendly ideas that would make a refreshing statement at any up coming ceremony.

Centerpiece Ideas:

Fun &Creative Place Cards:

Delicious Guest Favors:

Tip 1:Use produce that will be in-season during the time of your ceremony

Tip 2: Don't be afraid to use fruits with rich and bold colors

Tip 3: Be Creative: This is a way for each bride to add their unique touch to their special day!

*Photos courtesy of http://www.theknot.com/ and http://www.marthastewertwedding.com/

pool time!

2009-06-16T08:12:00.001-04:00

I have always been envious of summer birthdays. Having a birthday in January a pool or garden party was never an option. Now with littles of my own, one with an October birthday and the other in February, dreams of living vicariously thru pool parties of theirs has come to an end.

But for all of you lucky ducks with summer birthdays be sure to check out our check out our great selection of invitations to complete your fun in the sun party!

unplanned break

2009-06-15T20:14:00.002-04:00

Sorry for small blog break. It was sugar's dance recital weekend. Those recitals seem to monopolize a whole weekend! Back tomorrow.

ballet design shown above available in stickers, calling cards, luggage/id tag & note cards.

Wedding Wednesday! New Weekly Segment!

2009-06-10T10:04:00.001-04:00

Take a hint from nature for your wedding color palette. Aqua and Chartreuse are on top of the color combinations for events this year. These beautiful colors compliment each other and will make your next event elegant, serene, and "pop" with color.

If you are looking to use Aqua and Chartreuse for your big day, we love this Cranes & Co Cambridge Card. This Invitation set is contemporary and will add excitement to your wedding stationery. Go to http://www.polkadotsstationery.com/ to order!

father's day

2009-06-09T08:11:00.004-04:00

Are you grillin' up some fun for father's day.

we have the perfect invitation for your father's day cook-out

Visit Polka Dots Stationery for more bbq invitation.

sick day

2009-06-08T18:14:00.003-04:00

sorry y'all, taking a sick day today. i hate being sick. good thing it doesn't happen often.

it's such a waste of a day. fun things planned for the week & a new segment wednesday. be sure to check in

-k

... of the day {quote}

2009-06-05T12:23:00.000-04:00

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

Nothing is worth more than this day.

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

... of the day {quote}

2009-06-04T08:48:00.001-04:00

The important thing is this: to be able, at any moment, to sacrifice what we are for what we could become. - Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

You a Polka Dots Facebook Fan, right?

2009-06-03T08:33:00.000-04:00

NO? SAY WHAT? Become a facebook fan! You'll be privy to special discounts, contests and parties.

Come on.. what are you waiting for? CLICK HERE!

{and tell your friends!!!}

...of the day {question}

2009-06-02T08:10:00.000-04:00

The RSVP. It is an abbreviation of the French phrase réspondez s'il vous plait , translating to please reply. I am fairly certain the when an invitation comes via the mail, that we all know what the RSVP line means. Yet, for all my daughters birthday parties and our social parties, I find myself having no idea the head count or I am sending out emails and making phone calls to get it.

Is "RSVP'ing" really that hard?

Remember, you were graciously invited to a gathering or party. Whether it is an informal bbq or a formal wedding it is your responsibility to respond to the host so that he/she/they can plan on your attendance or absence.

Below are some tips I have heard from my customers on saving sanity with RSVP. I'd love to know your suggestions or thoughts! {Comment on this story}

" For my children's birthday parties, I now only have the kind of party where the RSVP head count doesn't matter. I no longer print RSVP or regrets only on the invites & it saves me the frustration."

" I leave the time off the invitation. That way if they do want to attend they will have to phone or email to get the time & then I know who is coming"

" When the invites arrive in the mail, i check the calender & RSVP immediately because as soon as it gets thrown on the desk it will be lost in pile of papers"

RSVP etiquette: {Don't say I didn't tell you the rules}

1- you should r.s.v.p. with in one to two days of recieving an invitation, regardless of what the date is. more likely than not, you know whether or not you will be attending. emily post ettique states

2- if you are asked to RSVP but there is no further direction on how; this is your cue that you should be hand penning your RSVP note, old school style.

3- do not RSVP yes, then not show. {soooo rude}

4- even if you didn't RSVP immediately or RSVP by the date requested - and now it's past the deadline - still RSVP! better late than never- esp. if you are not attending.

summer towel time

2009-06-01T14:09:00.006-04:00

Summer is here! Well, it is in South Carolina anyways. With temps. hitting the high 80's, you can find this polka dots girl on the boat or poolside along with my personalized initial towel. LOVE this towel! It is soft & absorbent with out leaving any of that annoying colored fuzz residue. I just order one for each of my daughters too.

Three hot color to choose from, lime green, hot pink and splash blue. You know where to shop: polkadotsstationery.com. Be sure to tell everyone who asks where you got it!

... of the day {quote}

2009-05-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

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...

2009-05-27T22:14:00.015-04:00

... 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}

2009-05-21T08:35:00.000-04:00

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!

2009-05-20T09:04:00.000-04:00

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!

2009-05-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

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

2009-05-18T09:04:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-05-13T09:30:00.000-04:00

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

2009-05-12T15:41:00.013-04:00

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}

2009-05-08T16:42:00.004-04:00

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}

2009-05-07T09:00:00.003-04:00

stationEry: writing materials

stationAry: not moving. standing still

-k

... of the day {quote}

2009-05-06T21:30:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-05-05T07:31:00.011-04:00

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

2009-05-04T21:49:00.009-04:00

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

Earth Day Give Away

2009-04-22T22:37:00.004-04:00

Tell All Your Facebook, Twitter & Email Friends!

Enter Online to Win

A Free Custom Designed Monogrammed Coffee Travel Mug!

drawing will take place on april 29, 2009. winner will be notified via

twitter, email and connect the dots blog on april 30, 2009.

-k

And we’re back –promise!

2009-04-22T21:52:00.008-04:00

Ok, so I am little behind on the blog. My best intents to keep the blog updated weekly were sabotaged by the water fountain flood from above.

Upon opening the door to our back office on April Fool’s day, H was welcomed to indoor rain showers. The second floor water fountain overflowed, all night. Polka Dots, Inc. operations came to a very abrupt stop.

So to make a long story short, the month of April was spent cleaning up, fixing up and a whole lot of catching up!

Although, it was not on the schedule, the massive purge was good. We streamlined & condensed. I now feel Polka Dots, Inc is a stronger, more organized and driven company.

So watch out y’all – your preppy, sassy, monogrammed, party, paper divas are back, better than ever! Stay tuned- updated office pics coming!

-k

blogs, facebook & twitter - oh my!

2009-03-28T13:12:00.019-04:00

Okay, so the fact is that it's been since January since we last posted a blog entry but it's not because we have been watching soaps & eating bon bons. The home party sales division of the company monopolized all of h's & my time. I can now say it is up and running and we are currently looking for reps nationwide!!!

With the Polka Dots Parties now in place, I have taken back on the world of social web communications.

but which social media do i pick?

So i asked myself the question - what makes

Polka Dots, Inc socially connected to our customers?

After tossing it around in my head for a few days I realized -all of them. Polka Dots, Inc is now as diverse as the social media options available. Our company now encompasses a retail store front, website and home parties. With so many ways to disturube our products we need all the social media available to keep our fabulous customers, like yourself, in the loop. That means, two websites, two blogs, a facebook fan page and two twitter accounts.

So for all you bloggers, facebookers and tweeters - keep up! Polka Dots, Inc. is gaining speed and you won't want to miss a thing!

-k

Getting Organized

2009-01-12T10:22:00.003-05:00

New Year, New Calendar, too. . .The Mom Agenda gets you there on time!

New Year, Week 2. . .getting organized.

Last week was the first week of 2009. I was so pumped about it last Sunday night - we made it through the holiday rush of shopping and travel, parties and presents. Goodbye 2008, hello 2009. Time to start fresh and get the year off to a great start.

But then, reality smacked me in the face.

My fridge was empty. My pantry was worse. The laundry was piled so high from two weeks of travel that I apologized to my washing machine before starting the first of a dozen loads. Oh, and the decorations hadn't come down. Swirling in my own panic, I started hearing myself plead, "Calgon, take me away!"

But then I remembered one of my favorite gifts of the holiday season - The momAgenda - All in One Folio - featured at Polka Dots Stationery. The ultimate in personal organizers, the All in One has everything you need to get your life and time management under control. There's a monthly calendar, with the fabulous month-at-a-glance feature, plus the folio section with clear plastic dividers to keep everything from your grocery lists to classroom lists organized and at hand.

Now, don't get me wrong, it took ALL of last week to begin to look or feel organized, but without my All in One Folio from momAgenda, I'm pretty sure I would be buried in that pile of laundry by now. Dig your way out of whatever mess you have in 2009, stop by Polka Dots Stationery and Gifts today to buy your momAgenda and get organized.

Don't miss out - Crane's Annual Signature Event Starts January 3rd

2009-01-01T17:03:00.004-05:00

A N N U A L

Signature

E V E N T

Receive FREE engraving dies or get your envelopes printed AT NO CHARGE with a thermography order! Stop by Polka Dots for Details.

January 3 - February 17, 2009

http://www.polkadotsstationery.com/

Notes are so nice. . .

2008-12-29T16:53:00.003-05:00

Remember to write your Christmas thank-you notes. . .

Why oh why is it so easy to put off writing thank you notes? Perhaps your to-do list is too long. Perhaps your extended family is still taking over your home. Or perhaps you don't have the perfect stationery. . .

At Polka Dots Stationery & Gifts, we cannot finish your to-so list or send your family packing, but we should be your #1 source for perfect stationery for your holiday thank-you notes. Just start shopping our fun and funky selection of note cards. Find your perfect personalized note cards, order and voila! No more excuses. . .

Stocking Stuffers for Santa

2008-12-16T23:04:00.002-05:00

No, you may NOT fill my stocking with oranges or underwear!
There MUST be something thoughtful to find in there!

I just want to know one thing this holiday season. Why is my Christmas stocking so neglected? It doesn't make any sense. The centerpiece of Twas the Night Before Christmas is the "hung by the chimney with care" bit about stockings. And as a child, the stocking proudly bearing my name was the last item I touched before going to bed on Christmas Eve. Even now, with a house filled with decorations, it's my stocking-clad fireplace that I love the most this time of year. But you know what Santa forgets about until around 3pm on Christmas Eve? My stocking.

Well, that is going to change - for me and for you. Today, Christmas stockings are taking a front seat again. We're not going to let the potential go to waste. . .

The only limits to the fabulousness of what goes in the Christmas stocking are 1) space. . .why doesn't anyone make a stocking big enough to fit a funky new pocketbook? and 2) your imagination. While Polka Dots Stationery and Gifts can't really do much to improve the size of Christmas stockings, we sure can make your imagination run wild with fun ideas for filling that sock right up to the top.

With just eight days left until the big day, you may not be able to get everything you want perfectly personalized, but at Polka Dots, we have plenty pick from. Here are 8 Stocking Stuffer Ideas available at Polka Dots to get you started:
1. Me! Bath Ice Cream
2. 2009 Calendars
3. Wine Bottle Gift Tags
4. Cute note pads
5. PSA stampers and embossers
6. Tote Bags and Beach Towels
7. Mom Agendas
8. Etiquette books - from Kate Spade to Crane's. . .for adults or kids

Check out the website at www.polkadotsstationery.com and click on the "Gifts" tab. There you will find everything from gifts for the bar or the baby to an incredible assortment of etiquette books. . .could there be anything more thoughtful?

The Epitome of Etiquette

2008-12-09T22:38:00.004-05:00

When weddings need something BLUE. . .
go straight to Crane & Co.

We live and buy by Crane's Blue Book of Stationery - in our opinion the must have guide of the stationery world. We use it for the right wording on your invitations, the right timing to mail your invitations and the right expectations of guests once an invitation is received. The book has been around since before we cared about the font of our monograms yet we've kept the style around much longer than our Seattle grunge band flannel.

Lucky for us all, Crane & Co. keeps their selection fresh and accessible by showing up in our favorite magazines. . .

This month, Crane comes to you in Martha Stewart Weddings. First Megan Kuntze, one of the top executives at Crane & Co, offers tips on typestyles and advice on giving your wedding a personal "brand." Later in the magazine, incredible Crane stationery with engraved monogram lettering and a gold beveled edge, takes our breath away with class and style.

Check out this month's Martha Stewart Weddings or just come on in at Polka Dots Stationery & Gifts to learn even more tips on how to create the perfect wedding invitation. Our answers to your questions always begin with Crane. . .

Online-shopping-palooza

2008-11-30T23:12:00.004-05:00

You're serving up turkey tetrazzini for dinner tomorrow and ordering up a trip or two to the gym this week. Goodbye pumpkins - hello parking lot traffic jams. There are twenty-four shopping days left. There is no denying it, the holidays are here.

Wait! Don't get stressed. Just kick back and let Polka Dots Stationery do the rest.

At Polka Dots Stationery & Gifts, we're all about the ease and fun of shopping from the sofa, coffee cup in hand. Shop online Monday, December 1, and wrap up your holiday gift-giving with the click of a button.

Special Offers - Monday, December 1 - FREE SHIPPING for ONLINE ORDERS of $50

December deals - 15% off Sweet Pea Holiday Cards - coupon code SPEA1108

Shop online at http://www.polkadotsstationery.com/

Stay tuned for upcoming special offers, new products and hip trends. . .exclusively from Polka Dots Stationery & Gifts.

Mojitos & Monograms Rounds 2 & 3

2008-10-06T15:18:00.005-04:00

We're serving up more Monograms & Mojitos

Some couldn't make it and others missed out... "When is the next one?" The disappointed girls would shout. We're happy to say, we've ordered up two more rounds (and who knew that Kelly made the meanest mojitos in town?)

So this time email us to hold your spot and don't be late,

The drinks flow at 7, the Monogram Trunk Show begins at 8.

Space is limited. RSVP ASAP

Mojitos & Monograms, Rounds 2 & 3

Polka Dots Stationery

DATE: Round 2: Thursday, October 16th OR Round 3: Wednesday, October 22nd

TIME: 7:00pm - 9:00pm

LOCATION: Baxter Town Center: 940 Market Street, Suite 116 Fort Mill

MORE: Bring your Gift List, your Wish List and your Address Book

RSVP to info@polkadotsstationery.com and let us know which date and how many are in your party!

pink ribbon stamper

2008-10-05T16:24:00.017-04:00

p.s.a. pink ribbon stamper benefiting

susan g. komen

for the cure

from now until december 31st psa essentials will donate 10% of the sale ($4.40) of the the pink ribbon stamp to susan g. komen for the cure with a minimum guarantee of $10,000! polka dots stationery will match the 10% donation of each stamper too!

this stamper comes with an exclusive two color black & pink ink pad.

a special thanks to all our customers who participated in one of the susan g. komen races!

click here to purchase

Mojitos & Monograms

2008-09-14T22:24:00.003-04:00

Mojitos&Monograms Gather your girls and make it a date! The food will be good, the drinks will be great. Have a seat and relax as we showcase what's new in the store. No boys allowed - we're locking the door. So tell your husbands to watch ESPN and eat Doritos... you're off to Polka Dots for Monograms and Mojitos!

Wednesday, September 17th at 7:00 PM

Polka Dots Stationery 940 Market Street, Suite 116

803.548.3888 www.polkadotsstationery.com

RSVP Required - We can only accomodate the first 20 ladies, so reply to this email with the number in your partyASAP!

Here's what's on tap for the evening...

Minty Fresh! New Monogrammed Decals - for cars, windows, mailboxes, kids room walls and doors, lockers, buckets... AND Monogrammed Plates - Personalize your own melamine plate with your choice of design, pattern, color and name! A great gift for every kid on your list!

Hold the Lime! Monogrammed Tote Bags, Cosmetic Bags, Insulated Lunch Bags, Clutch Bags, Over The Door Organizer Bags, Diaper Bags, & Backpacks.

Muddle Me! It's Almost Christmas! 2008 Christmas Preview - Be the first to shop from the latest designs in Digital Photo Cards, Personalized Gift Tags & Stickers, Personalized Bottle Tags, Holiday Party Invitations, Hostess Gifts and m

keep up

2008-08-28T07:01:00.006-04:00

keep up to date with all the happenings at polka dots stationery.

be sure to add our rss to your feed!

sale: transportation pillow

2008-08-28T06:57:00.012-04:00

9/1 sale item of the week:

by boat, plane, car or train? these transportation pillows are the perfect compliment any little boys room. 20% off this week only. quantities are limited.

stop by the shop or call 803.548.3888 to purchase.

facebook

2008-08-26T22:08:00.004-04:00

facebook us! click on the link in the right hand menu and become a fan of polka dots stationery.

help us spread the word; let all your facebook friends know about the most fabulous stationery and gift store

in fort mill and online!

call on me

2008-08-24T20:13:00.020-04:00

check out time magazine's online article on calling cards, "may i offer you my card?" this piece talks about the history of calling cards and uses in today's world.

click here for polka dots selection of calling cards

our blog coming to a computer near you soon!

2008-08-18T13:09:00.002-04:00

polka dots has entered the world of blogging! check back with us soon for up to date information on polka dots stationery sales, events, etiquette info and much more!