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2.22.2013

Blessed Baby

We had the honor recently of attending my nephew Harvey's 40 day blessing at our church. Most of you who know us personally know we are Greek Orthodox. While this doesn't always mean that much to me religiously (I'm a bit of a "it doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you believe" gal) ... being Greek is such a special part of our family's heritage, and I love all of the traditions. The two-hour church service, no; the joy on my Yiayia's face when we sit down in the pew next to her, priceless.

So, two weeks ago, we all dressed up for Harvey's 40 day blessing, and I snapped away - much to Father's dismay I'm sure : ) I'll have to find someone else to capture the baptism, as Mark and I have been asked to be the godparents. Yippee! My nephew and my godson - love it!

Here's our blessed baby, Harvey ... love the newsboy cap!


Now he's wide awake as Father shows him the "Kingdom of Heaven" ...


 He even got to go behind the altar, where women aren't allowed ... Yes, we Greeks are a little old school : )


 More wide-eyed Harvey ...


Finally, back to his mama's arms ...


Isn't Melina a super stylish new mama?!


And the happy family of three in front of our family's stained glass window. We say it's ours because everyone in our family has been photographed in front of it, starting with my parents on their wedding day, Mom and I at my baptism, Mark and I on our wedding day, the girls at their baptisms and so on. See how special traditions can be!


The baptism is in one week, so stay tuned for many more photos of our beloved little Harvey!

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- Kara

2.21.2013

Snow Day Shopping

This lovely snow day doesn't just mean lying around the house and building forts (although believe me, we've already done that, taken "mermaid baths" and played countless rounds of princesses/Barbies/babies) ... for me, it also means my husband Mark is home from school, and I can actually get something accomplished! Like a much-needed blog post promoting our upcoming trunk shows and all of our spring merchandise.

Save the date for these trunk shows:

  • Thursday, March 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at my friend Alicia's in Overland Park
  • Sunday, March 10 from 2 to 5 p.m. at my house in Overland Park
  • Wednesday, March 20 from 4 to 5 p.m. at Mom's school in Nixa 
  • Thursday, March 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mom's house in Nixa 
  • Wednesday, March 27 from 4 to 5 p.m. at Mark's school in Kansas City
  • Sunday, April 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. at my sister-in-law Elizabeth's house in St. Louis 

Interested in stopping by one or more of these? Leave us a comment below or email us editkc@gmail.com, and we'll send your more details.

And now for some pictures ... thanks to the girls for "helping" me with this little photo shoot!

Cream lace dress, $48
Gold necklace, $22

Mint cotton tank, $26
Mint and gray polka dot scarf, $18

Coral and gray polka dot scarf, $18

Coral leopard scarf, $16

Coral and tan sleeveless top, $30

Infinity scarf, $18

Gray lace sweater, $48
Mint cotton tank, $20
Mint and coral drop necklace, $28

Taupe lace dress, $54
Turquoise and gold drop necklace, $28

Coral scalloped top, $28

Navy dress, $40
Cobalt and brown  messenger bag, $36

Gray infinity scarf, $18

Floral scarf, $16

Aqua leopard scarf, $16

Cobalt and pink polka dot scarf, $16 
There is so much more. I haven't even opened all of our purses - there are some really cute ones and even some in the popular mint color! So fun!

Happy snow day shopping!

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- Kara

2.19.2013

Kindness at work

Last week I had an 8:30 a.m. dentist appointment, and Harvey, Matthew and I were all going to get up and ready together so I could drop off Harvey at Matthew's work. It was quite the ordeal getting my sleepy boy and Harvey (ha) up and ready that early. I dropped them both off and headed to my appointment in the Crossroads only to be told there was a mix up and my dental hygientist was on vacation. Someone was supposed to have called me but didn't. The office lady apologized profusely and that was that. No big deal for me. It was kind of annoying but shit happens, right?

So, this week I got a call from the hygientist wanting to apologize. She was very sweet on the phone, and I told her not to worry.

Then, I get this in the mail.



I mean is that seriously not the best customer service? It was completely unnecessary, entirely unexpected and they have life-long patients out of me, Matthew and our new little man. Well done, Crossroads Dentistry and Vienna.  Thank you very much! Now, I just need to find a sitter!


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2.14.2013

My Valentines

Hope everyone had a nice Valentine's Day. I know lots of people consider it a fake consumer holiday, but I personally think it's a nice reminder to show our favorite people how much we love them. Since becoming a new mommy, I especially appreciate the reminder because Matthew and I haven't gotten much alone time together. It's easy to put all your focus and attention on the new little one in your life and forget about your spouse!

I had a great day yesterday with my many Valentines. Harvey and I took Matthew out to lunch at our favorite spot, Happy Gillis.

Little man in his v-day outfit looking good!

Then, I got home and this little box was on my front step.

\



Yummy chocolate cake from my secret Valentine, Kara! She ordered it through a new site (to me, at least!) called Zaarly. It's an online marketplace that allows you to purchase and sell goods and services. Kara bought this slice of chocolate cake for only $5 and they delivered it with that super cute packaging. Great idea, huh?

And if I hadn't been spoiled enough already, Matthew came home with red tulips and a gift card to Starbucks.

Hope you felt the love yesterday too and continue to feel it every day. Have a great weekend everyone!


- Melina



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2.06.2013

Just for Laughs

Conversation between Nora, age three, and Mommy, 32 ...

Me: Nora, I love your picture! Is that a monster?

Nora: No, it's me.


Top that : ) Have a happy Wednesday!

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- Kara

2.05.2013

Tuesday Teaser: New Bracelets

We're starting to go through all of the amazing jewelry we found at market and wanted to share a few photos   .. prices to come soon!

Gold bangle
Enamel and gold bangle in mint 

Leather and gold bracelets in yellow, cream and red
Which ones are your favorites?

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- Kara

2.04.2013

Mommy Mondays: Kookiedoodle Crafts

Have you heard? Downtown Overland Park has a new gem ... Kookiedoodle Crafts.


This amazing arts and crafts spot, designed for kiddos ages three to 12, is open seven days a week for walk-in art projects, scheduled workshops, birthday parties and more. The girls and I have been a few times and decided to take Daddy with us on Sunday (before his guys-only Super Bowl party that evening).


He looks thrilled : )

The girls decided to make Valentine's Day mail boxes. For $14 each, they were able to paint and bedazzle to their hearts' content. In addition to the popular paper mache mail boxes, kids can choose to decorate treasure chests, jewelry boxes, picture frames ... or even create sand art cards, purses (sewn together by ribbon) and more.


Everything you could ever need is right there - baby wipes for messy hands, scissors, glue sticks, paint of all colors and tons of embellishments, like the feathers you see below. The girls clearly do not agree that less is more ...



Kookiedoodle is owned by a mother and daughter, and both are often working, along with their sweet dogs. I think Mark was more interested in the new puppy than the crafting ...


I also love how the friendly staff are there to step in and help - not just observe - as you struggle with adhering your little ones' stickers or feathers Exactly.The.Way.They.Want.Them.


For these reasons and more, I'll definitely be taking my girls back again for more ... and next time, I plan to revisit one of my favorite spots ... the General Store & Co right next door to Kookiedoodle. I prefer to buy my art and treasures rather than make them : )

Kookiedoodle is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday. We hope to see you there!


By the way, if you're wondering ... no it's not summer, and yes, I lost this battle!

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- Kara

2.01.2013

Don't Miss: Halls Warehouse Sale


Over the last six months since we've started this blog, we've become devoted Halls shoppers - especially loving the budget-friendly prices at the Crown Center location (which we blogged about here). So when we heard about this sale, we just had to share!

From February 6 - 10, Halls will sell over $1 million in designer brands from Halls' Plaza and Crown Center locations in a special warehouse sale at the Shoppes at Deer Creek Woods, 13308 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS.

Customers will enjoy an extra 40% off permanently reduced merchandise for total savings up to 90% off original retail prices. We love those numbers!


In the past, end-of-season inventory was moved out of town to free space for new merchandise. This year, Halls is offering a new (and amazing) opportunity to local shoppers.

“Instead of sending the bargains out of town as in seasons past, we thought why not make them available locally?” says Halls President and CEO Kelly Cole, adding that “leasing a site at 133rd and Metcalf not only frees up needed space at our Plaza and Crown Center locations for Spring inventory, but gives Halls a way to reach out to our Johnson County neighbors.”

“This is Spring cleaning taken to the max,” says Cole. “We have been ruthless in clearing out shelves and racks, and slashed prices to the bone – there are amazing bargains to be had for the savvy shopper.”

The fine print:
All off-site sales are final, with no exchanges or returns. Alterations will be available at Halls’ permanent locations for an additional cost. No shipping or delivery. No adjustments on prior purchases. No other discounts apply (including Hallmark employee discounts). Bummer for all of our Hallmark friends : (

Warehouse Sale Hours:
9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday (Feb. 6 - 8, 2013)
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 9, 2013)
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 10, 2013)

We hope to hit up the sale on the very first day - how about you? Sounds like a perfect girls outing! Happy shopping!


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- Kara