Happy Birthday to ioMOI

Sometimes I think I'd be alot better off if I was one of those humble people who, when asked what they would like for their birthday modestly replies, "you don't have to get me anything- just being there is enough...blah blah blah." Instead, I'm like- "Finally! Got a pen??" Then, proceed to rattle off my list of coveted presents and precisely where to find them. This year however, I just couldn't wait for an inquiry. I've been putting this present on hold for long enough. The time has come for it to be in my clutches. So when the clock struck April 1st, I called my mom and said "I'm ready to order my birthday present now." One might consider that a little premature considering my birthday isn't until the second to last day in April (the 28th for those of you who are singing the song about how may days there are in each month in your head) but I would like to think she considers it one of the countless joys of being the mother of BJD.

(Doesn't this look like fun?)

So what is all of this commotion about about? Here's a little background before I reveal my much anticipated gift....
I have been an admirer of iomoi for a few years now, I have an entire folder and "favorites" tab on my computer devoted to it. I feel the same way about it's website as I do about Dave Matthews Band and Justin Beiber albums- there's nothing bad on it, I love it all! Is that an awful comparison? Awful. As I was saying....iomoi. I got into it because I love stationary, and after getting married and having two children, I was writing thank you notes for almost 3 years straight. Iomoi's prints and patterns are mesmerizing and cheeky, and everything is formatted to be monogrammed. Perfect for all of you Southern Belles out there who put your dang initials on everything!
My favorite part of the site is the gifts for the home. They have everything from ice buckets to pencils to pillows.

One of these prints on a canvas pillow would be the best gift for a baby shower.

I hope to collect several of these items, but the very next one on my list is the Lucite tray. I can just see my jewelry and perfume bottles in it now. I can put it on my mirrored vanity (when I get one) and sit down at night and take my earrings out and put them in it, and then take my hair out of a bun, and rub lotion on my hands like old ladies do in the movies! The only problem will be narrowing it down to one of the dozens of patterns. Or I guess, I could just get dozens of trays?? Brilliant. Seriously though, would all of these things not make the perfect gift?? Especially for a newly married couple, house warming party, new job, birthday, etc?? Alright, let's get down to the reason I brought you all here: THE BAG. Iomoi makes canvas, leather, and canvas/leather mix totes, purses, and clutches- with any of their images plus your monogram. Here are a few samples:

The tote bags are canvas with leather straps and come in these shapes and sizes: This is the beach bag I'd like to get for our family, because it looks like my wedding invitation!
Then there are the leather/canvas mix bags. From right to left: leather/suede and canvas clutch, canvas handbag with leather handles, and canvas mix iPad cases. I don't have an iPad, but I would get one just for the cheetah case.
After much thought and going back and forth between a clutch or handbag, I finally decided that I am far too clumsy a person to own a white canvas purse- and that the pink suede clutch is the one for me :) The outside is a solid color and when opened up it becomes a big zip-top white envelope with the picture of your choice. And of course, your name. Which I am going to have written out in full, exactly as seen below. These are my final customizations:

One day, I will buy this for myself for my birthday. Because what could be better than carrying around bag made of leather so soft it looks like a melting stick of butter....

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second rate version of somebody else."- Judy Garland