Whether you're shopping for yourself or a friend, a monogram instantly transforms an ordinary gift into a keepsake. Here are two places to shop monogrammed items online.

1) Mark and Graham
Chic and classic personalized gifts are the focus of this online-only retailer, a sibling brand to Williams-Sonoma, West Elm, and Pottery Barn. Shop initial pendants and wristlets for her, monogrammed tech cases and pocket squares for him—even customizable leashes and collars for Fido. Note that Mark and Graham's sibling brands also offer personalized gift items.

3) 2PreppyGirls.com
The web presence of this online retailer is rooted in "Southern charm and a love of all things pink and green." If your style skews preppy, you'll be delighted to peruse everything from monogrammed flip flops, aprons, and belt buckles to beach towels, car decals, and coasters.

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/allison_mcdonald

Many would say that Live Oak Park is the centerpiece of the city of Live Oak. But if you need quantifiable proof of the park's popularity, just look to its numbers: 75 acres, three baseball fields, one football field, one basketball court, two well-maintained restrooms, two playgrounds, and one disc golf course. That doesn't even make mention of the park's massive reservoir, which is stocked with countless fish and is home to an array of water fowl.

Needless to say, Live Oak Park isn't short on amenities, which is why this municipal park attracts visitors from all over the area. Most arrive for a picnic or a leisurely stroll along the paved pathway that follows the reservoir's contours, while others disperse onto the park's grassy areas for a pick-up game of Frisbee or football.

No matter the reason behind your visit, be sure to bring along some bread: You can feed the ducks from one of the wooden docks that jut out into the peaceful waters.

Live Oak Park
18001 Park Drive
Live Oak, TX 78233
(210) 653-9140
www.liveoaktx.net/departments/parks-and-recreation/our-parks
www.yelp.com/biz/live-oak-park-live-oak

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/mcveja

Furniture is expensive, which is why you can’t exactly run out for a replacement when your sofa starts to look worn or your coffee table shows some signs of wear. With a bit of elbow grease, you can make over your outdated furniture and turn it into something fresh and new — without spending a fortune.

• Choose the right paint. If you decide to paint a piece of furniture to give it new life, be sure to buy paint that's made specifically for the material of your piece. Use a high quality brush (or an easy-to-use spray) that won’t leave behind stray bristles or residue.
• Sand away old paint. If your furniture is already painted — and most is — be sure to start with a rough sandpaper and sand away the old paint. Finish with a finer grade paper to create a smooth, blank canvas.
• Add a primer. Many first-time painters don’t realize that some pieces of furniture require a primer before painting to help the paint stick. If you’re worried about how thorough you were with your sanding, a primer might be a good choice.
• Fill in holes. If your wooden furniture is filled with nicks and holes, make it look like new again with a simple wood filler from your local hardware store. Fill the holes, let it dry and sand away the excess for a smooth finish.

Paint Makeovers: An Expert Tells All [Bob Vila]
How To Paint Furniture [Live Love DIY]
Quick Furniture Makeovers for Fashionable Results [Benjamin Moore]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr frankieleon