eighty-nine: a birthday card for Megan

Megan is the real wife of my former office-husband Tom. When we were all up in each other’s business, I would initiate birthday present talk weeks in advance. I’d like to think I trained Tom well, because this year he shopped early, wink. If anyone deserves a good birthday, its this loving wife and Mom.

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March 31, 2011

Megan,

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday! I hope there’s a big robot cake, a fabulous present from the mister and lots of smiles and cuddles from the ever-charming Rian. You deserve it all! Best wishes for a wonderful year of health and happiness.

Love,

Lauren

P.S. I hope to see you all soon (I’m dying to check out the new haircut—and am desperate for one of my own!). xx

Hello Lucky

eighty-eight: a letter + package for Raj

Raj is an amazing man, and remarkable doctor. Fourteen years ago he joined the U.S. Army Reserve; currently he is serving our country in Iraq. He sent word of his safe arrival and mentioned he was winning friends with his French Press (which he packed in lieu of deodorant). Raj’s stories are bone chilling and the work he and so many of our men are doing is truly heroic. I decided a little appreciation was in order.

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March 30, 2011

Raj,

My Dad forwarded your email and recent photos from the desert—your gear must weigh a ton! And your stories are so heart wrenching. It’s hard to imagine life in a war torn nation, especially the lengths people will go to in an effort to generate fear.

Thank you for aiding the wounded soldiers who are so earnestly protecting our country. I think what you are doing is so admirable. And thank you most of all for being so brave, so that the rest of us don’t have to be. Our country is so appreciative of your sacrifices (even if we aren’t always the best about showing our gratitude).

I packed you a couple of essentials—the deodorant you left behind (appropriately in Swagger scent), a replenishment of coffee beans and the coveted Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. Something tells me it will win you even more friends than the caffeinated brew.

I hope the next few months of duty fly by and you’re back at home with your wife and daughter in no time. Thank you again for your service to our country.

All the best,

Lauren

favorite design

eighty-three: a thank you note for Tayler

There are friends with whom you can always pick up where you left off—Tayler is one of those gals. She has a perma-positive attitude, is a hoot to hang with and to my complete envy, she can function on little-to-no sleep. Even though she lives in Chicago, we make a point to visit each other as often as possible.

Tayler lives within strolling distance of Greer Chicago, one of my most favorite stationery shops. Ever. And yesterday she sent me a wonderful package. A thank you note needed to be penned immediately!

**Friends, a lot of you have asked about my favorite stationery shops—I promise a full list is coming soon!**

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March 25, 2011

Tayler,

I am unspeakably delighted over my little parcel from Greer—you are so sweet to send me such gorgeous paper love. I don’t think anything better could have been packed between splendid sheets of turquoise tissue. You sure know the way to my heart Tay! And I am so lucky to have you in my life friend.

I’m looking forward to shacking up together in May. I am going to have the hottest date at the wedding, wink. Our little reunion couldn’t come soon enough. Thanks again!

Love,

Lauren

Martha Stewart

eighty-one: birthday wishes for Carlo

My  friend Carlo wears a mustache (and a gold Timex) better than anyone I know. He is whip-smart and hilariously funny, as evidenced here. I’ve known him thirteen-plus years and he only gets better with age.

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March 23, 2011

Carlo,

You! Happy Birthday handsome! I hope you have a stach-tacular day. Shall we celebrate with some cake? I’ll make the trek to Brooklyn if you promise to be my compass. I’d really rather not wait until Thanksgiving if you know what I mean.

I hope your twenty-seventh year (you big baby) is full of glam and glory. And may today be most wonderful—if only I could persuade Scarlett or Christina to seductively sing you the birthday tune…

Big Hugs,

Lauren

eggpress

seventy-five: birthday wishes for Teresa

Teresa is the mother of my faux-niece McKayla (I’m an only child and will only ever have a niece or nephew by marriage, so I claimed this kiddo the second she was born) and the big sister of my childhood best friend. I remember riding in the backseat of her green Honda Accord and thinking how cool she was to be driving and kissing boys. Many years later, I still admire her, but for different reasons. She’s raising a charming, well-mannered little girl and teaching droves of apathetic high school kids classic literature. And just for today, she gets all the cake she wants—three cheers!

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March 16, 2011

Teresa,

A big birthday wish for a reformed party animal! I hope you have a delightful day with Publix cake and presents you didn’t even know you needed—like a trip to New York City. I’ve got my fingers crossed (and an elaborate plan for tea at the American Girl Cafe).

May the year ahead be filled with all good things—reaching your triathlon goals, respectful students, some time by the sea and maybe even a winning lottery ticket, just for good measure…

YOU DESERVE IT ALL!

Happy, Happy Birthday love!

Love,

Lauren xxo

Tokyomilk

 

seventy-three: cheers for Alex

My dear friend Alex just completed her Masters in Photography in London (big cheers!). A few weeks later she packed up and headed west, to San Diego. She’s settling in and has a running wish list: a proper job, new friends, and a lovely apartment to call her own. I wish I had a magic wand to make it all happen lickety-split. Since these things can take time, I’m sending Alex a letter of encouragement and this lovely chambray shirt. I hope she likes it!

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March 14, 2011

Darling Palex,

I am so very proud of you—you and that Masters are big time! And such high marks too, what a superstar. I know someone will snatch you up in no time. While you’re waiting, take some photographs lady. My walls are longing for more of your work!

I know we’re both rotten at change, but I hope you can embrace your new city and grow to love it like you (now) love London. At least you’ll have more sunshine and brother along for the ride. Oh, and the French Toast at The Brockton Villa in La Jolla will cheer you silly. And if ever things get really grave, just put on the ruby red slippers and dance. It works every time!

I know good things are in store for you friend. I can feel it. Congratulations on your success and your new beginning! I am so excited for you!

Love,

Lola

P.S. The gum is for your new friends—everyone appreciates a friend who has gum, wink.

Paper+Cup Design

sixty-six: congratulations for Debra

Debra and I work together at a little shop in Larchmont (one of my many side jobs). She has great hair and an infectious laugh. And now she’s got a grandson. I still maintain she’s far too fashionable and young at heart to be a Grandma.

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March 7, 2011

Debra,

Congratulations! I am so happy for you and the whole family! A real grandbaby at last—no more practicing on Graham—you’re in the game now. I know you will make a wonderful addition to Jack’s circle of love. He is one lucky little boy. Best wishes to the whole gang. Here’s hoping he sleeps like a teenager!

Love,

Lauren

Mr. Boddington’s Studio

fifty-seven: Lauren accepts with pleasure

Today I received my friend Erin’s wedding invitation. Nothing delights me more than hand calligraphy and lined envelopes. I wish more occasions called for such pomp. Formal wedding invitations didn’t always include idiot-proof response cards. Many moons ago it was proper to accept with pleasure or decline with regret on your own “official” stationery. And always in a timely fashion, per Ms. Emily Post.

As such, I’m popping my reply in the mail straightaway. I included a Homer quote for the couple on the back of the card.

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February 26, 2011

Erin + Ben,

“There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends.” HOMER

I look forward to celebrating your love on the seventh of May!

Much Love,

Lauren xxo

William Arthur wedding suite (And it’s letterpressed! Be still my beating heart!)

fifty: birthday wishes for Derek

Derek and I met in college. He helped me with my biology labs (I maintain he’d be a rock-star teacher), was a masterful partner at beer pong and was always willing to move a futon. Derek is a true mid-western gentleman. He’s unintentionally funny too—he’d cook a full pound of ground beef and eat it all in one sitting, just to avoid leftovers. He’s a gem and I am so grateful for our friendship.

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February 19, 2011

Happy Birthday Der! I hope you have a wonderful birthday that involves cake, pretty ladies and good beer. And if not that, I hope there’s Buck Hunter and Couch Bed—because you can never go wrong there. May the year ahead is filled with all good things—like pterodactyls and babies and bear skinned rugs.

I think we’re due for another visit—maybe you should come to New York before the subways become a sauna? Or maybe I should return to Beantown for that elusive Lobster Roll? Either way, lets make it happen soon.

Love,

Lo

The Great Lakes Goods

forty-nine: a thank you for a homemade gift

Mary is the mother of a dear friend. She is a brilliant cook, a masterful orchid-grower and a complete delight to share a bottle of wine with. She is also a self-taught knitter—and an amazing one at that. For Christmas she knitted me a wonderfully soft snood and this week I was gifted an adorable beanie (with sequins, no less!!!). I’m ready to ditch the winter duds, but until spring comes, this little woolie will give my step some pep.

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February 18, 2011

Mary,

I am over the moon for this hat—did you know about my love-affair with sequins? The pink and grey combo is so perfect too. It is a tiny bit big (I heard you were concerned) but I kind of love that. It has this floppy effect that I find particularly charming. I’ve been wearing it all over town with a little skip in my step.

You are too good to me—two hand-knitted wonders in under two months?! What did I ever do to deserve this? Thank you loads for your knitting talent and extreme thoughtfulness.

I’m sorry I’ll miss the christening, but I’ll be thinking of the little peanuts. Hope to see you and Mark soon.

All the best,

Lauren

kate spade