The Big White Farmhouse

intentional living, little by little

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.   

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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.   

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    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.


    No.264: Paper Goods From Around the United States

    This post contains affiliate links.


    I had so much fun with my artisan soap list that I thought I’d do another – this time with paper goods!  I found stationery artisans in 32 different states.  If you have a favorite company in a state I missed, please let me know in the comments and I’ll add them to the list.

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    ALABAMA // Cityfolk Creative
    This shop just oozes Alabama pride!  Two favorites on my wishlist: the “Be Still” wall hanging and the Explore Outdoors card set.

    ALASKA // Wren and the Raven
    Jordan’s beautiful illustrations make me want to visit Alaska!  She makes everything from vinyl stickers to alphabet flash cards to notecards.  This lupine one is a favorite.

    ARIZONA // Turtle’s Soup
    You’ve got to check out Melanie’s vinyl sticker collection – she has over 100 options!  This kitty cupcake one is too cute.

    CALIFORNIA // LoveLight Paper
    LoveLight Paper donates a portion of their proceeds to ‘Kids Around the World’, “providing packaged meals that contain all the nutritional requirements for an undernourished child’s physical and mental development.” So cool.

    COLORADO // Blue Sky Fine Art
    Deb lives “in the beautiful mountains of Colorado and draw much of my inspiration from the landscape, flora and fauna of the area.”  This wildflower card set would make a great gift.

    CONNECTICUT // Inkpug
    If you like pugs, you’ll love this shop!  Hard to choose, but I think the Puggyback card may be my favorite.

    FLORIDA // 9th Letter Press
    Nick’s designs are whimsical, fun and hand-lettered.  I especially love the “Happy Birthday from..” state cards. (Here‘s the one for Florida.)

    GEORGIA // KT’s Canvases
    Katie’s shop is the place for anyone who loves feminine colors, florals and pets!  This thank you card is beautiful.

    HAWAII // Pikake Press
    “Everything in the shop is printed, cut, assembled and produced by one set of hands with great care and attention to detail.”  Love that!  Check out these tropical mahalo (thank you in Hawaiian) cards.

    IDAHO // Amanda Holden Designs
    There is a lot of Idaho pride in Amanda’s shop – she has 14 cards on the theme alone!  This one is my favorite.

    ILLINOIS // Hello Paper Co.
    Is there anything more beautiful than a letterpress card?!  All of Jill’s cards are “printed on tree-free, 100% cotton paper made from cotton linters (which are left over from the textile industry). It’s acid free, recyclable, biodegradable, and elemental chlorine free.”  I love this simple heart pattern.

    INDIANA // The Illustrated Life
    Lydia makes colorful, feminine, vintage-inspired watercolor art and her shop is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen!  These flat notecards on my wishlist.

    IOWA // Studio C Design Co.
    I just adore the way she combines florals with whimsical characters like teddy bears.  Favorite card on my wishlist: Heart Bubbles

    KANSAS // Ruff House Art
    Oh man, I have a wishlist a mile long from this shop!  Some of my favorites: this weekly planner, these pencils, and this Mad Libs inspired birthday card.

    MAINE // Morris and Essex
    Eliza lives and works in an 1800’s farmhouse in rural Maine.  Her work has a folk art feel, which is so cool.  I love this journal and these notecards.

    MARYLAND // Phoebe & June
    I’ve purchased from Cara’s shop before…and even given away one of her journals here on the blog.  I think all of her work is awesome and this weekly notepad is currently on my wishlist.

    MASSACHUSETTS // Albertine Press
    Albertine Press has a brick and mortar store in Cambridge that I’d love to visit someday.  These Boston letterpress notecards are gorgeous and for a location a bit closer to me, they have Washington D.C. too!

    MICHIGAN // Amy Heitman
    Another shop a mile-long wishlist!  Amy’s illustrations are so beautiful and charming and have a bit of a vintage vibe.  A few of my favorites: Floral Bee Gift Wrap, Another Year Sweeter birthday card, and this agenda notepad.

    MINNESOTA // Printerette Press
    I love the simplicity of these letterpress cards.  This one would be perfect for a summertime birthday.

    MISSISSIPPI // Small Pond Print Shop
    Hayley’s watercolor art is so stunning.  Mississippi natives will love her “Places” series and this pencil pouch is just too cute.

    MONTANA // Noteworthy Paper Press
    Taylor’s papergoods line definitely has an outdoor theme, perfect for someone from “Big Sky Country!”  Favorite item going on my wishlist: Honey Bee Notepad

    NEBRASKA // The Anastasia Co.
    From the about page: “Words are powerful. They write the story of your life. My passion is to design words in a way that resonate with your heart, fill your soul with truth, and bring joy to your home.”  Love that!  I love this journal too.

    NEW JERSEY // Paula and Waffle
    Paula describes her greeting card line as “sweet and pretty” and I couldn’t agree more!  Favorite card on my wishlist: Just For You Snail Mail

    NEW YORK // Happy Dappy Bits
    The environment is important to Jane, so she uses “FSC Certified Recycled & Sustainable papers made from 100% to 30% post consumer materials, and all of my packaging are chosen with the earth in mind, too — from clear, reusable, and 100% biodegradable cellophane sleeves, to sturdy recycled rigid mailers.”  This saying hello card is definitely one of my favorites.

    NORTH CAROLINA // Hennel Paper Co.
    From Jayme: “All of our cards are handmade with love on 100% recycled paper in my Charlotte, NC studio and each one is a little piece of my heart. Every design starts out as a sketch on paper. That sketch is inked with black marker, scanned and brought into Photoshop where I work a little magic and get it ready for print. All of my designs are inspired by real life and are made for exactly that.”  I love all of her cards, but her enamel pins are awesome too.  I think I need this one!

     OHIO // Glass Half Full Art
    I have purchased from this mother-daughter team before and was so impressed.  Their work is so colorful!  Love these Mama Bear and Papa Bear cards.

    OREGON // Green Bird Press
    While all of Susan’s designs are gorgeous, I especially love nature-inspired ones.  How cool are these Cascades topographical coasters?

    PENNSYLVANIA // Jennysrainbow Photo
    Jennifer’s shop has a variety of items, but I think I love her photo cards the best.  Some of my favorites: the buck, wild blueberries and this set of Pennsylvania nature scenes.

    RHODE ISLAND // Rag and Bone Bindery
    “Rag & Bone is a 30 year old bookbinding studio located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. We create beautiful books and albums for all occasions – baby, wedding & everyday. Our materials are sourced locally (as local as we can!) and our trained bookbinding staff produces our books to exacting standards. We love books, bookbinding, book arts, paper arts, paper crafting and all things bookish.”  Look at this anniversary journal!

    TEXAS // Hello Small World
    This husband and wife duo makes “feel-good greeting cards + other goods with quirky characters, things, and sayings all while consuming copious amounts of coffee.”  My kind of people!  This magnetic grocery list is too cute.

    UTAH // Alexa Z Design
    I adore this shop!  Alexa’s designs are so sweet and colorful.  Favorite card on my wishlist: Book Stack.

    WASHINGTON // FunUsual Suspects
    This is such a fun shop!  Between her adorable air plant holders to magnetic bookmarks to her punny notecards, there’s something for everyone.  I love this otter card.

    No.260: Mail Tag // 10 More Questions to Ask Your Penpal

    This post contains affiliate links.

    Another round of mail tag!  In case you haven’t heard of it before, it’s one of the fun little extras I like to include in letters, a way to learn more about your penpal.  (You can find my first list here.)  Here are ten more questions and I’ll share my answers too!

    1 // Describe yourself in three words.
    This is hard, but the three that come to mind first are loyal, homebody, and goal-oriented.

    2 // What is your favorite summer meal?
    Cheeseburgers on the grill with sides of fruit and pasta salad.

    3 // What book is on your nightstand?
    Should I admit that I actually have at least twenty books on my nightstand right now?  Marie Kondo, I am not, hah!  My summer goal is to knock that amount in half before purchasing anything new.

    4 // Share your laundry routine.
    I prefer big laundry days over little loads every day, so I typically only do laundry on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.  I have baskets (similar to these but mine are square) in my laundry room and wait until one is full before I wash them.  I actually enjoy folding – I find it calming – and then make stacks by person on my bed or dining room table.  The kids take their pile and put away.  Not a perfect system, but it works for us!

    5 // List the contents of your purse.
    Wallet, extra diapers and wipes, a baby blanket, a board book, P’s sandals, tissues, and a few pieces of junk mail

    6 // Name three items on your summer bucket list.

    • Get the outside of our house in shipshape.
    • Read at least ten books currently on my nightstand.
    • Plan a fun staycation.

    7 // What song is stuck in your head right now?
    The kids just watched Lego Movie 2 and “Catchy Song” lives up to its name, hah!  Play at your own risk.

    8 // Share what you do after a bad day.
    After a particularly stressful day, I send the kids up to bed a little earlier, eat a big bowl of ice cream without sharing, and decompress with a good book.

    9 // What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
    Mint chocolate chip.

    10 // List three items on your wishlist.

    • A new couch: we need one so badly, but are trying to wait until Lucy is a little older (if she chews up something new, I think I’ll cry)
    • This sweatshirt
    • One of these linen dresses from Pyne and Smith Clothiers
    Tag, you’re it!

     

    No.249: Five Reasons to Send a Letter in June

    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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    JUNE 3-7 // NATIONAL GARDENING WEEK
    National Gardening Week is celebrated on the first full week in June.  This is a great week to jot a note to your favorite horticulturalist or encourage someone to try it out! I would add a little seed packet for a fun touch.
    A few gorgeous cards created by small businesses:

    JUNE 7 // NATIONAL DOUGHNUT DAY 
    Celebrated on the first Friday in June, “National Doughnut Day was established in 1938 by the Chicago Salvation Army to raise much-needed funds during the Great Depression, and to honor the work of World War I Salvation Army volunteers who prepared doughnuts and other foods for thousands of soldiers.” (source)  This is a great day to celebrate a delicious sweet treat and thank those who serve others.  Maybe you could deliver a box of Krispie Kremes to nurses at the hospital too?
    A few cards created by small businesses:

    JUNE 8 // BEST FRIENDS DAY
    This one is self-explanatory: time to live it up with your BFF!
    A few cards created by small businesses:

    JUNE 16 // FATHER’S DAY
    Dads, husbands, brothers, uncles and grandfathers are all important men we can honor on Father’s Day.  Take the time to jot a few words letting them know how much you appreciate their example, wisdom and humor.
    A few cards created by small businesses:

    JUNE 26 // FORGIVENESS DAY
    I had never heard of Forgiveness Day before, but I love the idea.  Did you mess up?  Send a card to make amends or set things right.  Has someone hurt you?  Work through those feelings of forgiveness in a journal or a card that you never send.  Use this day as an opportunity to shrug off the heavy load of hurt feelings.
    A few cards created by small businesses:

    No.212: Mail Tag // 10 Questions to Ask Your Penpal

    This post contains affiliate links.

    Have you heard of Mail Tag?  It’s one of the fun little extras I like to include in letters, a way to learn more about your penpal.  Today I thought I would give ten questions to get you started and I’ll share my answers too!

    1 // Share a poem or quote that inspires you.
    “Let us carry our crosses with love; let us see that they do not become a burden to others, but let us help others carry theirs.” – St. John Bosco

     2 // What is your typical morning routine?
    I’m usually up early (around 6) and head straight for the coffee maker.  I fill a mug with coffee and unsweetened vanilla almond milk, say good morning to everyone awake and then sit down at the dining room table.  I’ve been working through the Chronological Bible Plan and my daily saint book. I also jot down a few things in my gratitude journal.  Making this prayer time a habit has been life-changing for me!  Then it’s breakfast and chores and off we go to start school.

     3 // What is your favorite meal?
    My favorite meal changes frequently.  Since I’m still fighting a sinus infection this week, I’d say pepperoni pizza that I didn’t have to make!

     4 // If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
    Now that we’re in the dead of winter, I’d go anywhere warm!  Lounging on a beach somewhere reading a book sounds heavenly.

     5 // What are three of your favorite books?
    This is such a hard question!  Instead, I’ll share my five favorite books from last year:  Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done, Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness, Redwall (read aloud to the kids), Need to Know, and Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End.

     6 // Name one of your pet peeves.
    Have you ever been driving on the highway when someone puts their blinker on to move into your lane and then proceeds to keep it on for.ev.er?  Drives me crazy!

     7 // When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
    At different times, I wanted to become a doctor, a marine biologist or a teacher.

     8 // What is the last movie you watched?
    I watched Remember the Titans with my oldest.

     9 // What brand are your favorite pair of jeans?
    Right now I’m living in Kut from the Kloth’s skinny jeans.  I think I want to get a pair of boyfriend cut next.

     10 // Share five things that make you smile.

    Finding little pieces of artwork from the kids, a gorgeous red-orange sunset, a book I can’t put down, belly laughter, and an empty laundry basket.
    Tag, you’re it!

     

    No.190: Sending Christmas Photo Cards with Basic Invite

    This post is sponsored by Basic Invite, but as always, all opinions are my own.


    If you’ve read here for any length of time, you know how passionate I am about snail mail.  With abundant technology, it seems to be a dying art, but I’m not ready to let it go!  With Christmas right around the corner, this time of year is a good time for everybody to join in on the fun.  So when Basic Invite invited me to check out their custom holiday cards, I couldn’t say yes fast enough!

    It was a family affair as we browsed Basic Invite’s options and chose our favorite cards.  Everybody had a favorite!  Here’s what we picked:

    ASHLEY’S CHOICE

    I chose the Vintage Bouquet Christmas Card, which is so me.  Clean, simple and so beautiful, right?  I played with complementary envelope colors and picked a deep berry color, named Cardinal Shimmer. 

    SOPHIA AND TJ’S CHOICE

    The Jolly Print Christmas Card is such a cute one.  We were able to adjust the colors of the words, “Holly Jolly,” adding a little blue to match the boys’ pajamas.  I love how this one turned out.

    MARK’S CHOICE

    Mark went back to his Lone Star roots (and I guess ours too as Virginians) with the Southern Hospitality Christmas Card.  Simple and it lets the photo stand out.  I really like the fonts used on this one.

    THE BIG BOYS’ CHOICE

    The three biggest boys picked the Cheery Elf Christmas Card.  They didn’t like the word “cheeriest” and changed it to “merriest” instead.  I love that it was took less than a minute to easily make the switch.  The boys also chose a colored envelope called Sorbet.

    A few other cool things about Basic Invite:

    • Almost Unlimited Colors // Basic Invite has over 180 different colors to choose from!  Once you select a design, you are able to change the color of every little detail, making it completely unique.  I also love that you can see your changes immediately as you go.
    • Custom Samples //  Basic Invite allows the ability to order a sample of the actual card you created, so you can see exactly how it looks before investing in a bunch.  It’s a great way to feel the paper quality and see the colors.
    • Over 40 Different Colors of Envelopes // There are over 40 envelope colors available, which is one more way to make your card or invitation a little more unique.  All of the envelopes are also peel and seal, so you don’t have to lick a single one!
    • Address Capturing Service // Basic Invite also offers an address capturing service that allows customers to simply share a link on social media to request their friends and family’s addresses.  This information is then stored in the customer’s account and can be selected during the design process. Recipient address printing is offered for free on all Christmas card orders.  How cool is that?!

    If you’re in the market for Christmas photo cards, I highly recommend Basic Invite!  And bonus: right now Basic Invite is offering 30% off with the coupon code, HOLI30.  I can’t wait to hear which design you pick.

    No.186: Five Reasons to Send a Letter in October

    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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    PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS AWARENESS MONTH
    Sadly, we all seem to know someone who has lost a child through miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy, a stillbirth, or SIDS.  October is a month dedicated to them, so it’s an appropriate time to jot a few words, letting them know you’re thinking of them and that you are remembering their sweet baby in heaven.

     OCTOBER 7 // YOU MATTER TO ME DAY
    You Matter To Me Day was created in 2010 by Linda Jew. A friend and his son passed away and she realized that she had never told them, “You matter to me.”  As she started telling people she knew that they mattered, she decided to start a day centered around the phrase. Write a letter to those people in your life who could use the reminder.  Only four words, but man, are they powerful.

    OCTOBER 12 // UN SPANISH LANGUAGE DAY
    Established in 2010 by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), this day was created “to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity as well as to promote equal use of all six of its official working languages throughout the organization”. (source)  Brush up on your high school Spanish and write a card to a Spanish-speaking friend.  Better yet, send one to a non Spanish-speaking friend and have them work on the translation.  An educational challenge!

     OCTOBER 29 // NATIONAL CAT DAY
    National Cat Day was originally founded as a way to bring awareness to the number of homeless cats in the United States.  Today is a great time to thank your local animal shelter and cuddle those orphaned kitties.  Maybe you can bring along a card and a few donations.  Don’t forget about the obsessed cat ladies in your life too!

    OCTOBER 31 // HALLOWEEN
    We may be too old for trick-or-treating, but how fun would it be to surprise a friend with a card and a bag of her favorite sweets?

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    A few fun snail mail related links:

    mail for sticker lovers.

    No.178: Five Reasons to Send a Letter in September

    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!  Starting a new monthly series today 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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    SEPTEMBER 9 // NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS DAY
    Signed into law in 1978, National Grandparents Day is observed on the first Sunday in September after Labor Day.  While the observance may have more than one origin, I love the story about Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, a housewife in West Virginia, the best.  She worked to educate people about “the important contributions senior citizens made and the contributions that they would be willing to make if asked. She also urged people to adopt a grandparent, not for one day a year and not for material giving, but for a lifetime of experience.” (source)
    This is a great opportunity to send a heartfelt letter to Grandma and Grandpa.  How about having the kids draw a handful of pictures and dropping them off at the local nursing home?


    SEPTEMBER 19 // INTERNATIONAL TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY
    International Talk Like a Pirate Day was created in 1995.  As an observer of this silly holiday, you greet others with a hearty, “Ahoy, maties!”  Send a letter to a friend who needs a smile, totally written in pirate-ese.  Be sure to include words like Arr, buccaneer, walk the plank, scallywag and the Jolly Roger.  This would make a fun writing assignment for kids too! 

    SEPTEMBER 21 // WORLD GRATITUDE DAY
    World Gratitude Day started in 1965 in Hawaii at an international meeting.  Afterward, the attendees spread the message to their own counties and the celebration has grown and grown.  September 21st is a great day to jot a thank you card to someone special in your life.  Your mom?  A teacher?  The mail lady who delivers your many Amazon packages?

    SEPTEMBER 23 // THE FIRST DAY OF AUTUMN
    I’m sure you have someone in your life that just loves fall.  You know the one: she counts the days until it’s cool enough to wear sweaters and boots, she bakes all the apple desserts and she drinks all the pumpkin spice lattes.  What better way to tell your friend you’re thinking of her than to send her a card celebrating the first day of her favorite season!  This is also a great day to snail mail an invitation for getting together for apple picking or wine tasting.

    SEPTEMBER 28 // NATIONAL GOOD NEIGHBOR DAY
    National Good Neighbor Day was created in the 1970s by Becky Mattson.  In 1978, United States President Jimmy Carter issued this proclamation: “As our Nation struggles to build friendship among the peoples of this world, we are mindful that the noblest human concern is concern for others. Understanding, love and respect build cohesive families and communities. The same bonds cement our Nation and the nations of the world. For most of us, this sense of community is nurtured and expressed in our neighborhoods where we give each other an opportunity to share and feel part of a larger family…I call upon the people of the United States and interested groups and organizations to observe such day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.” (source)
    Look for ways to be a good neighbor today and maybe write a little note to the ones in your ‘hood.


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    A few fun snail mail related links:

    • The Hi-Five is a stationery subscription from one of my favorites, 1canoe2.  Each month, you get five greeting cards, a pen and gold foil envelope seals.  So fun!
    • Alexa Z Design is a new-to-me paper goods store that I just love!  I have my eye on this card and this one and this one too.
    • This is such a fun (and simple!) way to decorate your envelopes.

    No.94: My Springtime Postcard Project

    I am so excited about today’s post!  Inspired by Naomi, one of the tasks on my 100 Little Things list this year is to mail fifty postcards.  The original plan was to copy her directly and send vintage ones…but then I found this set from David Allen Sibley.  
    Oh.my.goodness.  These postcards are absolutely gorgeous.  Sibley’s watercolor artwork is so colorful and detailed!  I really love that there are a wide variety of birds represented, everything from woodpeckers to songbirds to owls.  I was tempted to keep the set intact and add the box to our nature basket, but ultimately decided that I couldn’t keep them just for myself.  
    So here we go!
    Today I’m launching the Springtime Postcard Project, in which I hope to send these fifty postcards out into the world.  Each one will include a unique message: I’m thinking a short story from my life, a recipe, a poem or maybe even an inspirational quote.  Can I add you to the list?  It would be so fun to “meet” my readers in a new and different way.  Fill out the form here, then sit back and watch your mailbox for a springtime surprise.
    I received these postcards from Blogging for Books but all opinions are my own.

    No.80: 30 (Mostly-Flat) Things to Send Your Penpal

    This post contains affiliate links.
    February is International Correspondence Writing Month and many people challenge themselves to write a letter or card each day during the month.  I had great intentions, but quickly found myself unable to keep the pace!  So my revised goal is just to send mail.  When a friend or loved one comes to mind, jot a note.  When a new baby arrives, mail a card.  When someone is feeling sad and needs a little pick-me-up, send over a few small surprises.  My focus is less on completing a challenge and more on creating a habit.
    Gifts are my love language, so I love adding little things in my letters.  It’s certainly not a requirement, but so much fun.  Below, I’ve compiled 30 ideas of little bits you can include in your snail mail.  Almost all of the links are small businesses or etsy shops, so I hope you’ll check them out!  Happy writing. xo
    STICKERS //  Did you have a sticker obsession as a kid like I did?  I don’t think that has ever gone away for me – I still love them for decorating my planner or the outside of an envelope.
    A POSTCARD // Just came back from a family vacation?  Have a cool location in your state to share?  A postcard is the perfect memento and helps your pen pal learn something new in the process.  I also like the idea of giving new life to unused vintage postcards!
    FUN BAND-AIDS // Unexpected and yet useful – what’s not to love?
    TEA // I credit snail mail to introducing me to tea.  Sharing a packet is a no-obligation way for your pen pal to try new flavors and learn a little bit about you too.
    • My all-time favorite is Tazo’s Passion, but Mark and I also enjoy Peach Mango (so good as a cold brew!) and Chai.

    JOURNALING CARDS // The scrapbook section of the craft store isn’t just for preserving your photos anymore!  The options are endless and much more versatile – you can use these cards for everything from jotting down your grocery list to writing out a great quote.

    • Becky Higgins has a journaling card for every season and color palette.  One of my favorite brands.
    •  I also have purchased from Studio Calico and their cards are awesome.

    WASHI TAPE // Washi tape comes in fun little rolls and are perfect for embellishing envelopes or taping things to the fridge.  Give your pen pal a sample of your favorites by wrapping a few around a piece of cardstock.

    SEED PACKETS //  With spring just around the corner, these are easy to find.
    PAPER GARLANDS //  Super cute and you can customize to an upcoming holiday or season.

    POST-IT NOTES // Who doesn’t love and need Post-its?  I use them all the time and even have a few in my nightstand for to-do lists before bed.

    PHOTOS // This is one area I would love to be better about!  Print a special photo from your recent trip or your blooming flower beds.  Send Grandma a picture of her happy grandbabies.

    • Groovebook looks like a great app to print photos directly from your phone.  I love how the photobooks are perforated so they’re easy to rip out and add to a letter.

    A BALLOON // Not just for birthdays!  An idea: blow up the balloon, write a note in Sharpie, then deflate.  Add a note instructing the recipient to inflate to reveal the surprise!

    CANDY // Candy is tricky, but there are a few sort-of flat options out there if you keep your eye out.  Things like lollipops, fruit chews or even mini Hershey’s chocolate bars would all work.  (Although I’d probably keep the chocolate for cold winter months and definitely not summer.)

    MAD-LIBS // Rip out a page or two and tuck into your letter for your pen pal to fill out.

    A TEMPORARY TATTOO // Temporary tattoos remind me of being a kid.  I love that they are inexpensive and often come in packs of two, one to keep and one to share!

    PENCILS // A snail mail staple!

    A MAP // Grab a map of your city and circle a few of your favorite places.  Did you visit a museum or an aboretum?  Grab an extra map on your way out and write about your experience in your next letter.


     RECIPE CARDS // It’s always fun to hear what other people are cooking.  Ask your pen pal for their favorite cookie/dinner/entertaining recipe and include one of yours.

    • My go-to for paper recipe cards is 1canoe2, but I have these on my wishlist!

    PAPER CLIPS // I like to clip all the little bits together I send with a paper clip.  I’ve been using the regular colorful ones, but after researching for this post, I’ve been introduced to a whole new level!

    • Pinkie Bows has hundreds of adorable appliqued paper clips.
    • There are also paper clips in different shapes.  How awesome are these cocktail clips?
    GLOW-IN-THE-DARK STARS // One idea is to include a star with every letter you send.  Eventually your pen pal will have enough for an entire constellation or galaxy!
    • This set has 150 pieces – more than enough to send multiple friends.
    • This set even has the planets!

    RIBBON // Fold a length of ribbon neatly (preferably long enough to wrap something) or tie it around your letter with a bow.

    AN INTERESTING ARTICLE // Writing letters is an intimate way to learn about a person’s feelings and views.  Instead of fast knee-jerk reactions, letters require patience and thought, which in turn can become a thoughtful and respectful dialogue.  Find an article online that made you think, print it out and include it in your letter.  Ask your pen pal for their thoughts.

    BOOKMARKS // Is your pen pal a reader?  If so, a bookmark is always welcomed.

    A SMALL NOTEBOOK // Handy for jotting notes and to-dos, especially when you’re on the go.
    • 3″x4″ (like these) is a great little size to tuck into a letter.
    GEL PENS // While I typically only write with my boring black Bic pens, colorful gel pens seem like a fancy touch.

    GLOW STICKS // Another one of those childhood favorites sure to make your pen pal smile.

    A NEWSPAPER CARTOON // When I was little, my grandmother would send a few “funnies” from the newspaper.  In today’s day and age, this may be a stretch, but maybe there is an online cartoonist that you love?  Print, or if you want to save ink, share the link.


     PRESSED FLOWERS // If you have a green thumb and grow amazing flowers, dry and press a few.

    • This post has a simple DIY if you’ve never pressed flowers before.

    STICKS OF GUM // There are tons of gum choices that now come in tablet form, but look for the flat sticks.  Wrigley’s is a good brand to look for: Doublemint, Juicy Fruit or Big Red.


     A SMALL CROSS-STITCH // Are you a whiz with handiwork?  Tuck in a small completed cross-stitch or needlework project.  Bonus points if you give the recipient ideas for how to display it.


     A CHARM ON A NECKLACE //  Simple, inexpensive necklaces are great to include.  Be sure to carefully package it around a piece of cardstock, so it doesn’t get tangled during transit.

    • Caritas Dei LLC has a wonderful assortment of Catholic medals and necklaces.  I have this one and wear it everyday.


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