Pocket Postal Notebook

I’m a habitual list-maker. I get such satisfaction from crossing things off a to-do list (in full disclosure, sometimes I add tasks to the list that I’ve basically already completed, just for the sheer joy of the cross-off). When I pack a suitcase, a list becomes completely essential. And even though I never forget, I always add “postcard stamps” and “muji pen” to the list. I know, nerd alert! But I delight in sending postcards and who knows if your hotel will have proper postage?!

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I recently discovered a modern update to the postcard: Moleskine’s Postal Notebook. And while it requires a bit more postage than your run-of-the-mill postcard, I think its genius. The notebook is pocket-sized, perfect for toting around while sight-seeing and noshing on local cuisine (the real reason I travel). When you’ve filled the eight pages with your musings + sketches, an included adhesive seals your travel tome. The cardboard cover has space for your recipient’s address and all you need is proper postage!

Sometimes a postcard doesn’t really cut it when you’ve got a whole European adventure to relay. And how fun would this be for pen pals who share a friendship in letters?

What do you pack first when going away? Do you still send postcards (please say yes!)

P.S. Thanks Mr. Washington for the long weekend + Happy early Birthday!

(photo from the Moleskine website)  

Happy Valentine’s Day

At last, it’s here! Wishing you dear readers a very HAPPY Valentine’s Day! I realize I’m in the minority for claiming this holiday as my second favorite. To me Valentine’s Day is about showing the people you love just how much. A card for your Grandma, a pancake breakfast for your son, a glass of wine with a friend, an extra-long walk for Fido. The romance is nice, but the love part is the bee’s knees.

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Last week I pulled out the typewriter, plated some delicious oatmeal raisin pecan cookies and got to work penning my love letters. I even sent a couple of packages to some far-away Valentine’s.

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And tonight I’ll celebrate with my love. Adam’s getting the neon orange card on the left. It says LOVE YOU MORE. Because I do! Who’s your lucky Valentine?

cards from various shops including: Paper Source, Greenwich Letterpress + Kate’s Paperie

A Valentine Wish List

One day! Friends, Valentine’s Day is just one sleep away! I can hardly contain my excitement.

If you’re coming up short on gift ideas, don’t fret. I’ve collected a few items that are on my wish list (cough, oh Adam!). And if you’ve missed your overnight-shipping window, don’t despair. In our modern age of texts and tweets, a handwritten note is a rare treat. I guarantee your love will be “chuffed to bits” with a simple note of your affection…

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1. Ruled Letter Opener; 2. ban.do heart (I already own two, swoon!); 3. Hugo Guinness darling sweater; 4. kate spade sealed with a kiss cards; 5. John Derian Arrow; 6. Clare Vivier card case; 7. kate spade earrings (this was my valentine last year); 8. Godiva Truffles

If you go the love letter route, Crane & Co. posted some helpful tips to penning the perfect note.

P.S. I use these hearts for my quick love-notes.

One sleep!

 

 

Civilettes by Greer

Friends, I’ve been known to travel for stationery. I will actively research a city’s “stationery scene” before boarding a plane, just to be sure I miss nothing! Sympathize with my travel companions (namely Adam) who have traversed the country in the name of pretty paper.

I first happened upon Greer while visiting my friend Tayler in Chicago. Ever since, its been on my must-stop list when visiting the Windy City. If you’ve never been, you’re missing out. Chandra is a paper goddess. Her collection is expertly curated and full of surprises at every turn. I could spend hours in her lovely shop, and I never leave empty handed. If you’re not local, she has a great assortment online too.

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One of my favorite discoveries, is a Greer Chicago original: Civilettes. They’re small in stature (not much bigger than a matchbox), but pack a whole lotta love. Trust me. I delight in slipping these into Adam’s briefcase or sock drawer when I’ve done laundry. It’s nice to remind those you love just how you feel.

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The Love Notes collection features a simple “I love you” in classy script. The back of the card warns to “Please reuse responsibly” –love that! What a lovely Valentine! Best of all, there are notes for a job well done or a simple thank you.

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P.S. “Civility is not a sign of weakness” taken from John F. Kennedy’s inauguration speech, is Greer’s company motto. They commissioned the ubber-talented Hammerpress to create a poster. You can buy it here!

Weekend Mail: Sweetheart Edition

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I think we’re all clear on my complete adoration of Valentine’s Day. And just like Christmas isn’t Christmas without a tree, Valentine’s Day is nothing without candy hearts. They take me right back to my youth–to Mrs. Bevin’s first-grade class, where my love for this holiday likely started. I vividly remember cutting paper hearts from doilies and making sure I had a lollipop to give each of my classmates. I also recall getting quite competitive with my mailbox, but that’s a story for another day.

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Adam had a long week at work, so a love note was definitely in order. I decided to keep it simple and enlisted the help of the old Valentine. What my note lacked in words, it made up for in sugar.

…

February 8, 2013

You are my ultimate sweetheart. I love you so. xo, Me

Paper Source

you’ve got mail

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In July I stumbled upon a mixed media piece at the Westport Fine Arts Festival. The artist (who’s card I have fretfully lost, and therefore name I cannot remember, please comment if you know!) discovered some college dorm mailboxes, complete with alpha-combination locks. He transformed them into wooden boxes, perfectly sized for letters and tiny treasures. I couldn’t resist the Alice In Wonderland appeal. And a mailbox–I just had to have it!

The art went up on the wall and has since doubled as a mailbox for love letters. Adam and I take turns leaving each other notes and the occasional treat. He was skeptic at first–of both the art and the commitment to letter-writing. But he came around (in full disclosure–now it’s his first stop on the apartment tour). If the mailbox is closed + locked, you’ve got mail! When its open, lovely origami cranes beam back at you.

Nothing warms the heart like a love letter. Do you send your lover letters?

get well wishes for Gramma

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My Gramma has been suffering from pneumonia (in both lungs) for the last few weeks. She spent a couple of days in the hospital and then a few more regaining her strength at a rehabilitation center. Pneumonia is the pits! Thankfully she’s home now and on the mend. Nevertheless, well wishes were in order.

…

February 1, 2013

Gramma,

I am sorry you’ve been sick. And so sick! Did I mention I was worried sick about you? Enough sick already.

I am so relieved you’re on the mend and have promised to take better care of yourself. I’d like to request that in writing. Can that be arranged? You may be past the tissues at this phase, but I thought I’d send some well wishes anyway. I hope you gain more strength with each passing day and are back to yourself in no time. A lady like you doesn’t have time for sick. And I love you way too much for it.

Love,

Lauren xoxo

Paper Source

Birthday Wishes for Andrea

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My friend Andrea celebrated a birthday in January. I was a little tardy with the pomp and circumstance (in fairness, her birthday present traveled all the way from India). But I think birthday wishes are always better late than never.

…

January 12, 2012

Andrea,

Wishing you a most wonderful birthday! I hope those men in your life spoil you silly–cake, presents, balloons, the whole nine yards. And may today be the start of a noteworthy year. I hope your wishes come true, your dreams become reality and that all good things come your way. You deserve it more than anyone I know. And boy am I glad to know you, wink. Best wishes dear friend!

xoxo Lauren

Rifle Paper Co. 

i heart poppin

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Friends, I do hope you are well acquainted with poppin, the exceptional office supply site. They were kind enough to send me a few essentials prior to their launch in 2011 (see, some catching up to do indeed). Nothing pleases me quite like colorful pens and clean-lined notebooks. You can shop by color, to ensure an expertly coordinated desk. And they’ve recently expanded their offerings to include personalization. I swoon!

Love for Terrain

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I feel in love with Terrain just over a year ago. I first visited their location in Glen Mills, PA and had a lovely evening making a terrarium and noshing on a delicious cheese plate. As soon as their Westport, CT location opened, I dragged my Mom. She swooned too. From garden delights to candles and cookbooks, the whole collection at Terrain is expertly curated. If you are ever in the area (either one), go! It will not disappoint.

As luck would have it, I found myself standing over the Valentine’s table two weekends ago. Temptation personified for a girl who loves hearts! I walked away with a love letter kit and a pack of beautiful postcards (I’m going to try and use them with my valentine typewriter). I am eager to start penning some Valentine cheer. What’s on your wish list for Valentine’s Day?

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