The Big White Farmhouse

intentional living, little by little

No.673: A Slow and Simple Summer // Write a Letter

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With just a few weeks of summer vacation left, I’m intentionally trying to slow down and make time for a few important tasks.  Today I’m writing a letter!  Can you believe that I haven’t written a single piece of snail mail this entire year?  I checked my stationery stash and was surprised to find that I have significantly less than I thought I did.  I’ll have to remedy that in the future.

Anyway, I chose this “Thinking of You” card from Michelle Mospens.  She does all of her own artwork and calligraphy and they are all beautiful.  I also pulled out my last new baby card for my cousin who delivered last week.  This one is from Love Light Paper.  Wish I didn’t live so far away, so I could snuggle that little cutie!

P.S. In the market for some new cards?  I have most of my favorite small business stationery shops on this page.

No.550: Five Reasons to Send a Letter in August

This post contains affiliate links.

If you’ve read here for any length of time, you know that I am a passionate supporter of keeping snail mail alive!  This is a monthly series that I hope will inspire you to start putting thoughts on paper.  There’s nothing like finding a handwritten note among the piles of bills and junk mail.   

August 1 // Sisters Day

Sisters Day is traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday in August.  This is the time to tell her how much you love and appreciate her.  Don’t forget your sister-in-law, sorority sisters, even the religious nuns you know!  
A few cards created by small businesses:

August 9 // Book Lover’s Day

Book Lovers Day is the perfect day for relaxing in the shade with a good book.  Celebrate with your fellow bibliophiles by passing along a recent read or something on their wish list.  I’m sure a bookstore gift card would be loved too!
A few cards created by small businesses:  

August 16 // National Tell a Joke Day

This one is so fun!  Send a letter filled with your favorite jokes – the cornier, the better!  Kids will love to join in on this one.
A few cards created by small businesses:

August 21 // National Honey Bee Awareness Day

The third Saturday in August is dedicated to the bees!  This day was established in 2009 for beekeepers, as a way to promote honey and to encourage educational programs.  Thankfully, we can participate too.  Send a letter with a few (bee-friendly) flower seeds tucked inside or pass along your favorite jar of local honey.
A few cards created by small businesses:

August 26 // National Dog Day

National Dog Day has two goals: to honor dogs, and to rescue dogs from homelessness and abuse.  Today would be a great day to support your local animal shelter.  
A few cards created by small businesses:

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, YOU MAY LIKE THESE TOO:

No.485: Five Reasons to Send a Letter in February

This post contains affiliate links.

If you’ve read here for any length of time, you know that I am a passionate supporter of keeping snail mail alive!  This is a monthly series that I hope will inspire you to start putting thoughts on paper.  There’s nothing like finding a handwritten note among the piles of bills and junk mail.   

February 4 // National Thank A Mail Carrier Day 

I don’t know about you, but my mail carrier has been working SO hard since last March.  If it’s been awhile since you’ve thanked yours, now may be the perfect time to do so.
A few cards created by small businesses:

February 14 // Valentine’s Day

Regardless of how you feel about this sometimes silly and materialistic holiday, I’m sure there are many people out there who could use a little love and encouragement.  This past year has been hard for so many.  Letting someone know that they are seen and loved would be a welcomed and appreciated action.
A few cards created by small businesses:

February 19 // National Caregivers Day

Caregivers have the important job of caring for loved ones who have chronic illness, disabilities, disease, or old age.  They are unsung heroes!  This month is a great time to say thank you for their hard work.  There are a ton of great options at the shop, Senior Shower Project.

February 23 // National Banana Bread Day

Do you make a delicious banana bread?  Today might be a good excuse to drop one off on a neighbor’s doorstep or someone who may need a little pick-me-up.
A few cards created by small businesses:

February 26 // Tell a Fairy Tale Day

Let’s end with a fun one to round out the month!  Write a story of your own (the more imaginative, the better!) or maybe mail a beautiful anthology to a friend?  This would be a fun one to add to your homeschool day too.
A few cards created by small businesses:

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, YOU MAY LIKE THESE TOO:

No.417: 52 Weeks, 52 Letters Project // Weeks #22-25

This post contains affiliate links.


One of my big goals for 2020 is to send at least one piece of snail mail out every week.  Keeping track of my progress here on the blog will help keep me accountable and I’ll also get to share with you some small stationery businesses.  Maybe it will even encourage you to join in on the fun!

I sent a penpal letter with another card from Providential Co.  I love the message and I think it’s something that everyone needs to hear.

A new baby gift! This beautiful watercolor card came from Like Pearls on a String.

My little cousin’s birthday!  I should have saved it for his fifth birthday, but I thought this card from Yeppie Paper was too cute to wait.  (I added the little birthday hat sticker, just for fun.)

I mailed a birthday card from Mudsplash Studios to my brother, who I haven’t seen in months!  I know he’ll roll his eyes at the cheesy pun, but really – what are big sisters for?
I only managed to send out one Father’s Day card (also from Mudsplash Studios) this year, but he’s one of the most important – my own!  We haven’t seen him since March and it makes me so sad that we’re spending another holiday without each other.  This COVID separation thing is so, so hard.

CURRENT SNAIL MAIL TOTAL: 61


No.404: 52 Weeks, 52 Letters Project // Weeks #18-21

This post contains affiliate links.


One of my big goals for 2020 is to send at least one piece of snail mail out every week.  Keeping track of my progress here on the blog will help keep me accountable and I’ll also get to share with you some small stationery businesses.  Maybe it will even encourage you to join in on the fun!

WEEK 18 (Apr 27-May 3)


I was finally able to use this old card from when A Beautiful Mess had a “Happy Mail” subscription program.  Sadly, it looks like they have discontinued it!

WEEK 19 (May 4-10)


This week, I went Mother’s Day card crazy!  I wish I could have done more.  The two “You Are an Amazing Mother” cards are from Sarah Hada Art, the two watercolor cards are from Pink Bathtub Designs and the Goldilocks and Mama Bear card is by FellowMade.  The purple floral watercolor one is from Michelle Mospens and the Mama Bird and the Nesting Dolls came from Love Light Paper.

My baby sister was supposed to be attending her college graduation this week and sadly, that’s all been cancelled due to the lockdown.  I mailed her a congratulations card from Champaign Paper to let her know that we’re still celebrating her achievement from afar.  We’re so proud of her!

WEEK 20 (May 11-17)

I did not send out a single thing!  It was a weirdly busy week and I was in a funk.   

WEEK 21 (May 18-24)


Sent a quick note to a friend who is struggling a bit right now.  I just bought a pack of these cards from Providential Co. and I want to send them as a reminder to everyone I know!

CURRENT SNAIL MAIL TOTAL: 56
P.S. Need a little sunshine in your mailbox?  Sign up here to get on the list!

No.390: 52 Weeks, 52 Letters Project // Weeks #14-17

This post contains affiliate links.


One of my big goals for 2020 is to send at least one piece of snail mail out every week.  Keeping track of my progress here on the blog will help keep me accountable and I’ll also get to share with you some small stationery businesses.  Maybe it will even encourage you to join in on the fun!

WEEK 14 (Mar 30-Apr 5)


 A new baby was born!  I sent my congratulations in this adorable card from Yeppie Paper.  I also got to use one of my new stamps – how fun are these?!

WEEK 15 (Apr 6-12)


 Lots and lots of Easter mail!  The Alleluia cards are from Gratia Design Co., Some Bunny Loves You cards are from Happy Dappy Bits, and the cute bunny one with the bracelet was a Meri Meri card that I picked up at Homegoods before all the craziness started.

WEEK 16 (Apr 13-19)


 Birthday card week!  The cake card from Love Light Paper was sent to my sister-in-law.  It’s belated (I have a loose filing system for my cards and hers slipped into the wrong week!) but I’m sending it anyway.  The other two birthday cards were for my mom and my sister and both are from Yeppie Paper.  

WEEK 17 (Apr 20-26)


 I sent a letter to a blog reader (hi Joy!) and had so much fun sharing a few of my favorite spring things: birds, books and flowers.  I mean, is there anything better?  The envelope is a free printable from Naomi Loves.  Her snail mail newsletter is wonderful.

CURRENT SNAIL MAIL TOTAL: 45
P.S. Need a little sunshine in your mailbox?  Sign up here to get on the list!

No.374: 52 Weeks, 52 Letters Project // Weeks #9-13

This post contains affiliate links.


One of my big goals for 2020 is to send at least one piece of snail mail out every week.  Keeping track of my progress here on the blog will help keep me accountable and I’ll also get to share with you some small stationery businesses.  Maybe it will even encourage you to join in on the fun!

WEEK 9 (Feb 24 – Mar 1)

A week of thank you notes!  My dear friend surprised me with two new books to read, so I sent her a beautiful card from LoveLight Paper.  I really love their commitment to reducing childhood hunger – one card provides one meal for a child in need.  I also sent my mama a thank-you because she sent me a book to read too!  Her card is from Cafe Notes + Company. 

WEEK 10 (Mar 2-8)

Week 10 was a blur of sickness through our house, but I did manage to mail a birthday card to my cousin.  This card is from Glass Half Full Studio and I added a little party confetti from Knot&Bow too.

WEEK 11 (Mar 9-15)

I sent a sympathy card for a middle school friend who just lost her mother.  Her mom was always so kind to me and I know she will be missed by many.  I debated buying a specialized sympathy card, but ultimately went with another floral watercolor from Cafe Notes + Company (and blank on the inside) because I wanted to get it mailed out quickly.

WEEK 12 (Mar 16-22)

Starting this week, the pandemic had us stick close to home, but that didn’t stop me from sending some mail!  My dad and my brother were both sent cards from 1canoe2; they weren’t specifically birthday cards, but I love me a punny joke.  I also sent out a little package to a dear friend nearing the end of her fifth pregnancy!  The card is from Alexa Z Design.  With the kids home from school, I sent along a fun book that the boys no longer read.  I made the envelope from 12″x12″ scrapbook paper that I’ve had for years. (#frugalaccomplishment!)  I unearthed this envelope maker from my craft stash and now I’m hooked!  I want to make envelopes from everything.

WEEK 13 (Mar 23-29)

This was a tricky week in snail mail because I ran out of postage stamps!  I ordered more on the USPS website, but in the meantime decided to use up more of my Birds of Land, Sea, and Sky postcard stash (and thankfully had some postcard stamps leftover too).  Three postcards went out to grandparents and a sweet blog reader.

CURRENT SNAIL MAIL TOTAL: 34


P.S. Need a little sunshine in your mailbox?  Sign up here to get on the list!

No.363: Five Reasons to Send a Letter in March

This post contains affiliate links.

If you’ve read here for any length of time, you know that I am a passionate supporter of keeping snail mail alive!  This is a monthly series that I hope will inspire you to start putting thoughts on paper.  There’s nothing like finding a handwritten note among the piles of bills and junk mail.   

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MARCH 6 // DENTIST’S DAY

Do you have a kind and patient dentist?  This is a great time to share how much you appreciate them!
A few cards created by small businesses:



MARCH 14 // NATIONAL PI DAY
What better day to celebrate with your nerdy math friends than Pi Day?  If you’re feeling extra creative, maybe make a pie to go with your card! 
A few cards created by small businesses:


MARCH 17 // ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Saint Patrick’s Day is in honor of one of my favorite saints!  It is also a day for celebrating Irish heritage and tradition.  Even if you’re not Irish, you can still get into the fun: how about sending the luck of the Irish to a friend with a few scratch tickets and a penny?
A few cards created by small businesses:



MARCH 19 // FIRST DAY OF SPRING
Even though this day may not always look like spring, we can still get excited for what’s to come.  I am planning to mail wildflower seed packets to some family and friends.
A few cards created by small businesses:

MARCH 31 // NATIONAL CRAYON DAY
To finish off the month, how about something special for kids?  Mail the little buddies in your life a brand new coloring book and a pack of crayons for National Crayon Day.  Is there anything better in life than a fresh pack of sharpened crayons?  Fun fact: Crayola makes over 3 billion crayons every year. 

No.357: 52 Weeks, 52 Letters Project // Weeks #5-8

This post contains affiliate links.


One of my big goals for 2020 is to send at least one piece of snail mail out every week.  Keeping track of my progress here on the blog will help keep me accountable and I’ll also get to share with you some small stationery businesses.  Maybe it will even encourage you to join in on the fun!  (You can find the first post here.)

WEEK 5 (Jan 27- Feb 2)

I had ambitious plans for this week, but ended up only mailing a birthday card to my cousin. I love the gold foil detail on this card from 9th Letter Press.

WEEK 6 (Feb 3-9)

This week was Mark’s birthday!  I looked through dozens of choices on etsy, but we ultimately decided to make him something more personal.  We recreated a card that the kids made for him years ago (when we had half the amount of kids!) and it turned out so sweet.

WEEK 7 (Feb 10-16)

I sent out a note to a blog reader (hi Alicia!) and finally used a notecard from Meyer Market Designs that I received in a conference swag bag back in 2017!  I like to add a few cards and tags (I even cut down a page from this adult coloring book) because they’re fun, but also practical.  You can jot down your grocery list or add them to a gift.  I also mailed a card to a friend who is pregnant with her fifth baby.  Yay for babies!  This letterpress card is from The Grits and was made on a machine circa 1880.  How cool is that?!

WEEK 8 (Feb 17-23)

Eight weeks in, I can’t believe it!  I continued to use up some of my snail mail “stash” and chose a beautiful postcard (leftover from my Springtime Postcard Project two years ago) to send to another blog reader – hi Donna!  It comes from the Birds of Land, Sea, and Sky set, illustrated by David Allen Sibley.  They are all gorgeous and worthy of framing.


 CURRENT SNAIL MAIL TOTAL: 24


P.S. Need a little sunshine in your mailbox?  Sign up here to get on the list!

No.343: 52 Weeks, 52 Letters Project // Weeks #1-4

This post contains affiliate links.


One of my big goals for 2020 is to send at least one piece of snail mail out every week.  Keeping track of my progress here on the blog will help keep me accountable and I’ll also get to share with you some small stationery businesses.  Maybe it will even encourage you to join in on the fun!

WEEK 1 (Jan 1-5)

Starting the new year off strong with three packages!  I sent a baby gift to a pregnant loved one and used such a sweet card from Alexa Z Design.  I also sent off board books wrapped in gold paper, sharing our Epiphany tradition to two of my favorite little buddies.  The cards I used for those are from Quill & Fox.

WEEK 2 (Jan 6-12)

This week took us out of our post-Christmas fog and back into reality!  We worked on seven thank-you cards during our first day back to school.  These cards are from one of my favorite stationery shops, Phoebe & June.  We also wrote seven cards for the kids’ CCD teachers (our last class before Christmas was cancelled due to freezing rain) in appreciation for their hard work.  (Same cards from Quill & Fox.)

WEEK 3 (Jan 13-19)

For Week 3, I sat down and wrote a long note to a penpal.  The rainbow notecard came from Mercy House Global, another organization that I really love.  (This particular card looks to be sold out, but they have lots of other options.)  I also included a little party confetti from Knot & Bow, just for fun.

WEEK 4 (Jan 20-26)

This adorable card was from Cotton Blossom Press and made me immediately think of my aunt in Maine.  I spent entirely too much space chatting about the weather, but whatcha gonna do?  (My grandmothers used to write me letters when I was a kid and always wrote paragraphs about the weather.  Now I understand, ha!)  

CURRENT SNAIL MAIL TOTAL: 19
P.S. Need a little sunshine in your mailbox?  Sign up here to get on the list!

No.328: Five Reasons To Send a Letter in January

This post contains affiliate links.

If you’ve read here for any length of time, you know that I am a passionate supporter of keeping snail mail alive!  This is a monthly series that I hope will inspire you to start putting thoughts on paper.  There’s nothing like finding a handwritten note among the piles of bills and junk mail.   

_________________________________________

HOT TEA MONTH

With winter in full swing, there’s nothing better than warming your hands (and your belly!) with a cup of hot tea.  This would be a great month to surprise a friend with your favorite flavor (or maybe a sampler like this or this or this) and a note.
A few cards created by small businesses:


    JANUARY 6 // EPIPHANY
    The feast day of Epiphany commemorates the Wise Men’s visit to baby Jesus and is celebrated in different ways.  In my family, we have a special dinner and give everyone a book wrapped in gold paper.
    A few cards created by small businesses:


    JANUARY 21 // HUGGING DAY
    Hugging Day was created in the ’80s by a Reverend in Michigan.  This is an easy one to celebrate, but don’t forget those loved ones who live far away!  This idea would be a fun one to do with kids.
    A few cards created by small businesses:


    JANUARY 24 // GIVE A COMPLIMENT DAY
    I love the idea behind this day.  How often do you think of something, but never actually say it?  Today is your opportunity to say something positive about the people around you.
    A few cards created by small businesses:

    JANUARY 31 // BACKWARD DAY
    To finish off the month, how about something a little silly?  “Backward Day is a day to do everything backwards…Wear your shirt with the back in the front. Eat your meal, starting with dessert…Walk backwards, or talk backwards. Play a board game backwards, from the finish line to the start.” (via)  I think it might be fun to write a letter starting from the bottom!

    No.314: Five Reasons to Send a Letter in November

    This post contains affiliate links.

    If you’ve read here for any length of time, you know that I am a passionate supporter of keeping snail mail alive!  This is a monthly series that I hope will inspire you to start putting thoughts on paper.  There’s nothing like finding a handwritten note among the piles of bills and junk mail.   

    _________________________________________


    NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS APPRECIATION MONTH

    Family caregivers have the important job of caring for loved ones who have chronic illness, disabilities, disease, or old age.  They are unsung heroes!  This month is a great time to say thank you for their hard work.  There are a ton of great options at the shop, Senior Shower Project.



    NOVEMBER 11 // VETERAN’S DAY
    I am the granddaughter, daughter, sister and wife of veterans, so this holiday holds a special place in my heart.  Another great reason to say thank you, this time to the vets in your life for their selfless service.
    A few cards created by small businesses:


    NOVEMBER 13 // WORLD KINDNESS DAY
    World Kindness Day originally came about because of a Japanese conference in the ’90s.  The organization, known as the World Kindness Movement, brought together groups interested in promoting more kindness around the world.  In remembrance of this day, share a little kindness in your own community!  Maybe a baked good and note to the nurses at your local hospital, police station or nursing home?



    NOVEMBER 28 // THANKSGIVING
    A day of football, family, and lots of good food!  A few cards created by small businesses:


    NOVEMBER 29 // ELECTRIC GREETING CARD DAY
    This probably comes as no surprise, but this day was created by the electronic greeting card websites.  Now there’s no excuse not to send someone a note, hah!  Check out Hallmark and American Greetings for lots of options and for every occasion.


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