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

Austin has earned a reputation as one of the most outdoorsy cities in the nation, largely thanks to the presence of the beautiful Lady Bird Lake and series of rivers that snake between the bustling streets. Live Love Paddle takes full advantage of Austin's unique proximity to the water.

Tour guides take kayakers out on the various rivers to give them a new perspective of the city. Join one of the full-day river trips to coast along the San Marcos, Guadalupe, or Colorado River at a leisurely pace. Ogle the world's biggest urban bat colony, which resides under the Congress Avenue Bridge, from the comfort of your watercraft. You can also get a panoramic view of downtown from a kayak atop Lady Bird Lake or even take an overnight kayaking trip. Live Love Paddle rents out kayaks, as well, if you prefer a self-guided tour.

Live Love Paddle
1610 E. Riverside Drive
Austin, TX 78741
(512) 804-2122
www.livelovepaddle.com
www.yelp.com/biz/live-love-paddle-austin-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr red line highway

With Autumn just arriving, we hope everyone enjoys all of the fun this season has to offer! Happy Fall!