Before and After: KITCHEN (and Giveaway WINNER)

When I looked at my condo for the first time I just knew the kitchen was going to have to be painted. While the greenish-gray color was not bad, it was just not for me.

Here is the kitchen BEFORE:I wanted something vibrant and fun so as you know I went with a lovely magenta. The kitchen looks lovely with one coat of pink on the walls, but it looks AMAZING with its' second coat and all the blue and white:

These after shots have a bit of a glare and really do not do the kitchen justice. It is nothing short of sheer perfection in my opinion!

The kitchen has gone from DRAB to FAB!



The pink works so well with the blue and white plates and the white cabinets.

I am SO thrilled with how everything turned out and especially thankful for a mother who is good at hanging plates!

Things are finally on the walls and everything is coming together wonderfully! I cannot wait to share more photos throughout the week.

Also, thank you to all who entered the Graphic Image giveaway. I am thrilled to announce that COMMENT TWO was the number random.org chosen as the winner. Congratulations to Simply Sara; please email me and I will get you in touch with the wonderful Graphic Image people! Also, remember to use the code "DATEBOOK" to receive 20% off your ENTIRE order. Stock up on back to school items (leather notebooks anyone?!) and get a head start on that Christmas shopping today

Graphic Image Datebook Giveaway!

With school starting this month and the new year less than five months away (can you believe it!?) there is no better time to get organized. Graphic Image has kindly offered to sponsor yet another FABULOUS giveaway and give one very lucky reader a fabulous 2012 datebook!

These date books are perfect for keeping your social life organized with their monthly and weekly view options and they are wonderful for travel as they offer a "common phrases" section and lots of maps and conversions. I love that these can be used as tools too!

"This versatile notebook planner features month and week-at-a-view appointment pages plus pages for keeping notes on your daily activities. An ideal social agenda which includes recreational travel information, US and international holidays."

The winner of this giveaway can pick any "WJ7" datebook of their choice (this is the 5-3/8" by 7-3/8" size datebook) and they can also have it personalized!!

While I LOVE the pink and green agendas I am all about the metallics right now. My choice is the old....but what would you choose?!

To enter this giveaway you must include which datebook you would like in your comment. You can gain an extra entry for "liking" Graphic Image on Facebook and a third entry for "liking" Monograms and Manicures on Facebook. Please make sure to include how many entries you are eligible for in your comment! All qualifying comments must be left by 9pm EST on Sunday, August 14th, 2011.

In the meantime Graphic Image has kindly extended a discount to all Monograms and Manicures readers. If you simply cannot wait to get your datebook you can pop on over to their site, select yours and any other items you have been eyeing and receive 20 off your ENTIRE order when you use the code "DATEBOOK". Happy shopping to all and best of luck!!

Christmas in July

Christmas in July is just around the corner. What is Christmas in July you might ask? Well a reason to get a head start on my Christmas shopping of course! Retailers across the web will make down items for a day or two so you have to act fast. I was thrilled to find out my beloved Graphic Image would be partaking in Christmas in July this year. Not only are they partaking, but they are going ALL OUT. Think above and beyond. Starting at 10am EST on Wednesday, July 20th, 2o11 everything (yes, you read that correctly, the ENTIRE site) will be 50% for just 24 hours! There is no limit to how much you can spend and absolutely everything will be marked down for this event. Talk about almost too good to be true...but thankfully for us it is true!

I just love all their leather accessories and books as you know. I have NO idea what I am going to do when I log on Wednesday morning and it is all on sale. I am eyeing far too many items (many for Christmas gifts), but here are a few of my favorites:

Slim Design Card Case ($36)

This can be used for more than just business cards. Place your gift cards in one to keep them all together or use it for credit cards in a clutch! This proves that small can be good!

Playing Card Holder ($66)

While card games sometimes seem old fashioned I still love them. Keeping them nicely stowed can be a feat, but thanks to this nifty card case you can now keep things organized in style.

Wire-O-Notebook ($132)

Every student deserves to take notes in style. The Graphic Image notebook holder in refillable and comes in a wide array of sizes and colors. Get a different color for each subject or simply switch out your notebook. Stylish supplies make studying easier, right?

World Shopping Journal ($55)

I LOVE this journal and have given it as a gift numerous times. It is always a hit as it is packed with useful information. Not only are there shopping tips, but also phone numbers and conversions you might need when far from home.

Bride's Notes ($28)

This is the perfect engagement gift for the bride-to-be. This size is dainty, but perfect for your purse and the price is certainly almost too good to be true!

Laptop Case ($216)

Why throw your laptop in your bag when you can store it in style? Like my favorite Graphic Image iPad sleeve this laptop case can also be personalized. You will never have to worry about someone trying to snag your computer in airport security ever again!

What are you eyeing?? Whatever it may be, be sure to mark you calendar and visit Graphic Image for their blowout sale!

Another GREAT deal that coincides with Christmas in July is the One Kings Lane Groupon. If you are not yet a member NOW is the time to join. You can purchase a $60 OKL gift certificate for just $30! Buy it and shop away today!