Prettying Up the Standard Envelope

Jane Austen's writing desk

Handwriting things-- anything-- just makes things so much more personal. I'll be the first to admit that I find pounding out words on the keyboard a lot easier than putting pen to paper, but there's just something instantly endearing about seeing words transcribed in script. The writer gives the reader an idea of their unique style in a way that just seems more intimate than Times New Roman.

Meant to Be Calligraphy

So, I try to hand-write things as often as possible. The ladies of my life have taught me to always send handwritten thank you notes. And even though it's tedious, I still longhand my journal as well. Because going back and reading my own (albeit very illegible) script a week or a decade later is a little more thrilling that way.

I loved the ideas I found on lettergirl's blog. I mailed three cards this week and took a certain satisfaction knowing that amongst bills and catalogs, my recipients would find happy envelopes like this:

Flowers for the girls...

Stars for the boys

Metallic silver, gold, and white pens are great for colored envelopes

All this takes is a Bic pen and a steady hand!

Visit her Etsy store here: lettergirl on Etsy

Valentine's Day Goes Digital

 

Gone are the days when "e-card" meant animated bunny rabbits and midi music files that sounded like a kazoo.  

In this digital age, e-cards have gotten very stylish, and can be a great little way to let someone know you're thinking of them. I just ran across this post from Oh Joy! and had to share.

Kate Spade has a fabulous array of Valentine e-cards just waiting to spread love all across the Internet. It's called  

"BMINE- A Gallery of E-Valentines"  

and for real.... they are super cute.

Go ahead, get you some brownie points with your Honey: 
Find your perfect e-valentine here!

Move Over, Martha, We're Making Bread Dip & Labels

I'm always looking for a thoughtful yet budget-friendly gift for friends who host dinners or maybe just need a little "happy" added to their day.

Here's a great little suggestion: Make a bread dipping oil (YUM), put it in a Mason jar, and add these oh-so-cute labels. Most of the work has already been done!

Download and print the labels by clicking here.

(Don't forget the cute labels for the top of the jar!)

Here's your recipe:

 

This great little recipe comes from Chatelaine, and seen on the always lovely Giverslog.