mother's day.

Still wondering what to give Mom for Mother's Day this year?  You've done the flowers...you've done the jewelry...you've done the framed family portrait....what could possibly be left?

I'm absolutely loving these Happy Everything  Cookbook Sets!  Not only do these gems come with an adorable little spreader, but they have ideas for every kind of party you'd ever want to throw-complete with ideas for table decor.  From summer birthday bashes to lobster feasts, it really has great ideas and inspiration.

Why not make mom something delicious out of this new cookbook, and give the book to her as a treat?  I'm sure she's going to love the Chocolate Chocolate Cake for dessert-doesn't it look yummy!?

I gave one to my mom for her birthday last month, and she LOVES it!  We've had more fun making some of the appetizers (and eating them, too), and I'm thinking I'm going to make some of the Beer Bread for my dad for Father's Day....and I've been itching to make the citrus avocado salad and watermelon margaritas.  Don't you just adore cooking for the ones you love?

take your pants off for the planet.

 I took my pants off.  now you can, too! you're probably wondering what in the world I'm talking about...and do you really have to take your pants off?  the answer is simple:

yes.  and no.

Here's the scoop:

There are lots of ways to help save the planet, but m. lynne designs has certainly come up with one of the most fun and creative ways to do this!  On May 2nd-May 5th, m. lynne designs will sponsor a denim drive that is sure to have people of all ages "taking their pants off for the planet."

Simply bring in a pair of jeans and you will receive 15% OFF your entire purchase (excluding furniture), plus a free "I took my pants off for the planet" button.  (and trust us, you'll want a button.  and 15% off, of course!)  The donated jeans will then be returned to one of our manufacturers that is not only committed to repurposing secondhand sundries into clever and functional products, but they are also devoted to keeping their wares manufactured here, in the U.S.  In addition, a percentage of sales from their repurposed gift line is donated to the National Coalition for the Homeless.

Support a local business, American made products, and eco-conscious efforts all in one day by grabbing a pair of old blue jeans from your closet and stopping by m. lynne designs on May 2nd-May 5th.  You won't want to miss the festivities we have planned-we're also having a Spring Sidewalk Sale, with some items up to 75% off!!

Saving the planet has never been so easy.

heritage society fair

Last weekend, the Wichita County Heritage Society held their 12th Annual Provenance Historic Homes Tour--and we had a booth at their fair!  The tour highlighted four historic homes in the country club estates.  I never knew there was so much history in so many of the buildings here in town!

Many of the rooms in each house had original pieces and decor in them, which was really awesome to see.  Elaborate moldings, heirloom rugs, sawn oak floors, fabulous chandeliers....if you didn't get a chance to go this year, I highly recommend making it a priority next year!  

Here's a little peak at our booth:

we finally got the doors stable!

love the flower hangars.

obsessed with the coolers and casserole carriers!

we can paint your furniture, too!

holding on so i don't blow away

wonderful help :)

these cookbooks are FAB.  

everyone loves the feet!  

 We were absolutely thrilled with how everything turned out--especially considering that we were under a HUGE threat for storms (tornadoes, massive rain, lightening, etc...) and the wind was relentless!!  As we were setting up, our doors kept blowing over, and I seriously thought they were going to knock someone out.  Thankfully, everyone left unscathed.

I will mention though, the only downside to this day-I forgot to take my allergy medicine.  Now, for those of you who know me, you know that my allergies can be tamed, but they can also be rather fierce.  Especially without the assistance of AllegraD.  Our booth was located on the grass tennis court, right under a ginormous tree...whose leaves and pollen and who knows what else were blowing constantly in our direction.  My allergies decided to attack me, about two hours before the event was over-we're talking sneezing, major migraine, blurred vision, and nausea.  Just when I thought I couldn't go on, the nicest lady realized I was having an allergy attack, and gave me some Benedryl that she had in her purse.  Thank you ma'am, whoever you were.

After all was said and done, we had a super day, met the nicest people, saw some of our favorite faces, and got to glimpse a little bit of the past.

here comes peter cottontail.

love these paper eggs & carrots!  the eggs even have ribbon tied on, so you can hang them from your chandelier!

 Are you ready for Spring?  It's arrived in full force at M. Lynne Designs!  The last weekend in February, we had the wonderful opportunity to participate for the first time in the Home & Garden Expo at MPEC.  The event is hosted each year by the Kemp Center for the Arts, and let me just say, we had such a fabulous time!  Many fellow vendors doubted our abilities to fit all our merchandise in the 10x10 booth, but like always, we did it. 

Casserole & Pie Carriers!

I was SO excited to show off our new casserole & pie carriers--aren't you just in love with them?  The classic designs, the functionality, the storage solutions...sigh.  I think every home should have these.  They're absolutely perfect for carrying food to a friends house-the casserole carriers even have a zippered pocket on the top to store your serving pieces.  What's not to love!?  We also have them in a wonderful black scroll, but we sold out already!  Not to worry, more are on the way.  (and are you not just drooling over the large party tote at the bottom?  perfect for lugging all your must-haves around)

every home needs one (or two!)

Don't you love all the little owls?

great spring hand towels & scarves

insulated bags!

Our booth won 'Best of Show'!  I was SO excited, I didn't even realize they gave out awards!

So after a successful weekend, we were back to getting the shop in order with all of our new spring arrivals!  For some reason, I get so excited about Springtime-I don't know if it's because of all the fresh, new colors, or if it's because I know warmer weather is coming...regardless, I can't wait for you to see all the rabbits, flowers, dragonflies...I could go on and on about all our new decor.  There are so many little pieces that will spruce up your old Easter decor!

why yes, that is a planter in the shape of a foot.  and it does in fact come as a pair.

hydrangea bunnies are back!  with carrots this year!

personalize these easter eggs

more hydrangea carrots and paper eggs

Can't you just imagine these little guys, scattered over your dining room table?  Potentially with some fabulous hurricanes, filled with little glittery eggs?  And the tissue paper eggs hanging from the center chandelier?  FABULOUS.

Add in a couple small bud vases and the adorable salt and pepper shakers, and you have your Easter table setting!

s&p shakers and bud vases

 Happy Spring everyone!  I hope you enjoy our new Spring items as much as I do!  I promise I'll try to do a better job at keeping up with this new blog-it's going to be a learning experience for me, but I'll do what I can!  Check back soon, there are so many new and exciting things coming!

Fresh.

After an amazing 2011, I'm so excited to see the wonderfulness that I know 2012 will hold for us.  We have GREAT new ideas and products coming to M. Lynne Designs this year--we just got back from Market, and I seriously cannot wait for all of you to experience the new and fabulous items coming in(more details on that in a bit).

After carefully planning our trip to Market, my mom, Shelley, and I set off to Dallas for the week, to choose those perfect touches that I'm sure each of you will love.  Shelley and I worked so hard all week to make sure we would be bringing back unique items-we're even adding more parties and personalization items to the shop this year!  Be sure to check back in frequently, I'll let you know as soon as these items get here.

Day 1, energized and excited!

 I think over the course of the entire week, we probably logged more miles than we actually drove. (that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it sure felt like it!  It probably didn't help that my super cute new shoes weren't exactly worn in...so on day two, I brought out the tennis shoes--probably not my best look but hey, my feet felt tons better.

cute-but-not-so-worn-in shoes

comfy-but-rediculous-with-my-outfit shoes

Part of the greatness of the first day was this telephone looking machine-after my order was placed (fabulous new cookbooks are coming this way, get excited!) I got to hop inside and try to grab discounts for all of you!  I had 30 seconds to pick as many slips of paper up as possible; the only trick was, there was a fan blowing all the slips around, AND I had to wear an oven mitt on one hand.  Sounds easy, right?  It's a lot harder than it looks!  And a little intense.  

After all was said and done, I was able to bring back many new items at a discounted price to all of my fabulous customers!

Day two, the tennis shoe day, if you will, was very productive as well.  New cards are coming, as well as some amazing new lamps.  When we walked into Market on the second day, I just had to snap a pic of this window display--we definitely felt like it was 'go time!'

it's go-time!

 As you can see, Market Center was bustling with activity; everywhere you turned there were people on a mission!

starting to look a wee-bit worn out...

 Day three of Market was about as hectic as day one and two, but Shelley and I were starting to wear down-luckily, this little (or should I say big?) guy was outside, waiting to cheer us up!  Owls are SO popular this year, we saw them everywhere!!  I have so many cute owl items coming in...most people think I was a Chi Omega because I carry owl items, but for the record, I'm a Theta :-).

Day three also brought many new additions that will be gracing our doors this year.  Shelley and I went to a personalization workshop, where we learned so many new techniques that we will be applying this year.  Picture frames, kitchen accessories, bags, ornaments, clipboards, and our popular enamel boards...plus many new items as well!  Personalized items such as these make perfect and one-of-a-kind birthday, graduation, wedding, even sorority gifts!  Who doesn't like their name on something?  I know I sure do!                                                                                

Another item I'm SO excited about carrying are these fabulous goodies:                                                          

           CASSEROLE & PIE/CAKE CARRIERS!!       and guess what!?  

we can even personalize these for you, too!

Vonny & I

I was fortunate enough to meet the designer and her husband-together, they're launching this new product that's really making headlines!                                      

This guy is also new...he comes in a few different colors as well--doesn't he just make you chuckle?

 And this cute cross comes in assorted colors as well, I just love how the flower pops!

 Unfortunately, by the end of day three, Shelley and I both slightly resembled something that was run over by a mac truck, so I'll save us both and just let you imagine.

 On day four, we were finally able to start a little bit later in the day, so thanks to a long, good night of sleep, we were able to hit the ground running.  We were able to find a couple last minute items that we needed, and we hit the road back home.  Be sure to come in soon, to see our new items that I just know you're going to fall in love with.

Check back in soon, I'll try to update this new blog weekly, showcasing furniture pieces I'm working on, new items that just arrived, or...anything else I think of really :-).  

pillows.pillows.pillows

yes, we can personalize these, too!

we also have new books coming in!

Thanks for stopping by, come see me again soon!