We just got a new shipment of Table Topics in the store. These conversation starters have always been a great selling gift for us! The 'Family' version is a great gift idea for Mother's Day. My sister has this one and we love to use it every time my family gets together!

-M.

There's No Place Like Home!

Home again! Where my pillow is happy to be reunited with my bed. And so am I for that matter!

Have a great weekend.

-M.

This is the starter to the dinner Bob and I had last Saturday night. We are trying to take advantage of the weather by eating outside whenever possible. Plus, we just wanted to sit and look at our labors of love in the garden. Bob planted four new rose bushes Saturday (I know it's not the season) and our tomato plants are doing nicely. Did I mention that we really did plant a vegetable garden that weekend? We now have 12 tomato plants, zucchini, bell pepper, jalapeno, green leaf lettuce, arugula, and about 7 different herbs growing! That's why we had to sit outside.

We had watermelon martinis and guacamole to start, and for something easy we grilled one of our favorite pick up dinners. You absolutely must try the Pollo Asado from Sprouts. It doesn't seem to have the traditional marinade but more of a smokey delicious flavor. We make very simple burritos by grilling onions (in cast iron skillet) then cooking chicken in same pan. The only thing we add is whatever guacamole is left and cilantro. I of course don't have pictures of the dinner but I do have them of the onions!

-M.

We cut the onions in 1/2" slices and cook at high temp to get a roasted flavor but still have firmness.

Bob and I are off to Kansas for the week. He has to go for business but I'm just tagging along because I've never been there. I wonder what's in store for me in Topeka... and I do mean 'in store'! I plan to do lots of shopping while there. What else can I do? Someone has to stimulate this economy!

I am used to these business trips with Bob and I have figured out that I have to take things from home with me that make me feel cozy and homey while hanging out in the hotel room. These things include (absolutely and most definitely) my pillow, which takes up my entire carry on, cozy slippers, lots of books and my French press coffee maker! I am also bringing my own coffee, sugar and creamer. Oh, and also some biscotti. I know this might seem overboard but I absolutely love a coffee experience!

Of course I am also bringing my camera so I hope I will come home with good pics.

Have a great week!
-M.

How beautiful is this quote? Have a Happy Weekend!
-M.

I am turning 40 in June and I can't wait! Yes, I know that seems weird, but I love where I am in my life so what's to be unhappy about? My sisters and my husband are planning my party. When asked what theme I would like, my thoughts went to these dishes that I have been obsessing over. So it's from this lovely dinnerware that the party is being planned from. I just love the colors and of course the birds.

I have been hounding Bob for about 6 months now to let me get these dishes to which of course the answer has always been a very adamant NO! When I pointed out that we have been eating off our other set of everyday dishes for 15 years now, he casually pointed out that I have about 5 other sets of dishes. Darn! But I feel those don't count because I only have 4 place settings in some of the other patterns just because I loved them so much I couldn't live without them. (Have I ever mentioned that if I didn't have a paper store I would have a dishes store? You can never have too many options where dining is concerned! Hello, summer dishes, winter dishes, intimate evening dishes, fiesta, and so on!)

Anywhoo, back to the party. It is going to be so much fun! It is going to be a small affair. Of course I know what the invitations look like since I ordered them, but aside from that, it will be a surprise. If you knew the party gurus that my sisters, and friends are (including K from Domestic Bliss) it will be rockin'! I will definitely be showing pics after the event.

Until then, look at these lovely dishes and get some happiness!

-M.

p.s. On top dishes, I absolutely love dresses and pick them up whenever possible. Upon coming home with yet another dress yesterday Bob gave me the arched eyebrow look that said no more. To which I stated that 'honey, think of it this way... you are actually saving money when I buy a dress since it is a complete outfit. Otherwise I would have to buy pants AND a shirt.' hee hee. Just thought you might want to use that one on your husband!

I hope everyone had a happy Easter. I sure did! It was a gorgeous weekend so that in itself is a huge happiness factor. But, I have to say, the greatest part of Easter was the fact that we didn't have to get together with either Bob's or my family! Now that is not saying we don't love our families but it sure was nice being able to relax all day and do whatever we wanted to without having places we needed to be.

We made the most out of our happy day together which meant lots of food! I can't believe it but we actually made it to the 8:15 a.m. church service. (Thanks to Bob making me get out of bed) Then we made a feast of a breakfast just for the two of us. In hind sight I wish we had invited family over to enjoy it with us! We had pancakes, scrambled eggs with shallots, cilantro and cotija cheese, roasted asparagus, and mimosas.

We spent the rest of the day relaxing outside, riding bikes and watching our Betty Crocker neighborhood go to town on Easter egg hunts! For our dinner Bob whipped up a prime rib roast with Madeira sauce and a creamy horseradish sauce, caramelized onions, and roasted garlic mashed potatoes! I told you we ate a lot! I don't have pics of the dinner but I attached some of our breakfast.

-M.

Weddings at M & Co. Papery

Can you believe how gorgeous this wedding ensemble is?! When our customer, Becky Palumbo's, daughter got engaged, Becky came right in and set to work on save the dates, invitations, and programs. I am so happy with the end result. Everything was beautiful! Becky's attention to detail was obvious throughout every step of the wedding which of course went off without a hitch. I love the placecards created with the same paper used on the save the dates.

Thanks, Becky, for letting us post these pictures. I am sure many people will be inspired by them!

-M.

A new shipment of aprons is here! And just in time for Easter and Mother's Day! These are new designs and we have ordered in the child size on most of these along with the adult size. We have had so many requests for these aprons lately so here they are. All of these aprons are double sided with a pocket on one side. They are absolutely beautiful! Perfect to wear when hosting your Easter Brunch.