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

forty-eight: praise for a masseuse

People love to complain—we all want to rant when we’ve been wronged, justified or not. So often we forget to pause and applaud good work. I recently joined a service oriented industry and know how nice it is to receive a kind letter of praise for a job well done.

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February 17, 2011

To the Spa Manager:

I am writing to share with you the wonderful experience I had at your spa on February 13, 2011. I live in New York City, but return to Orlando at least once a year. I always try and pay your beautiful facilities a visit, and I am never disappointed.

On Sunday I indulged in a massage with Andrea Ulloa. She was professional, poised and had wonderfully strong hands. In under an hour she worked out all sorts of kinks in my neck and upper back, applying just the right amount of pressure. She made an excellent recommendation at the end of my visit, Arnica patches, which I’ve been using, and really enjoying. Please let Andrea know how pleased I was with my experience.

I also enjoyed your spa pool and I am crazy about that Blue Crab salad at the Café. Yum! Thanks for maintaining such a lovely oasis with such wonderful service. I look forward to my next visit.

Best,

Lauren

Cranes

forty-seven: a thank you for the bakers

Publix is a leading grocery store in the Southeast. Their tag line: Where Shopping is a Pleasure–and boy is it ever. The staff is friendly and always eager to help you and your bags to the car (a service you appreciate ten-fold when schlepping heavy paper bags home by foot). And if you frequent any one location long enough, they’ll start welcoming you by name. True story.

This was the grocery store of my youth. I was mad for their chocolate chip cookies as a kid and admittedly still am. I never leave Florida without picking up a couple dozen. A few years ago they changed the recipe and panic struck. Luckily they’re making both varieties now and I am ever so grateful.

I could encourage you to pick up a dozen next time you find yourself in the sunshine state, but you’d probably find them incredibly ordinary. The extra special ingredient of nostalgia is what makes them so tasty for me.

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February 16, 2011

To The Ladies Who Bake The Chocolate Chip Cookies,

Your chocolate chip cookies (the old recipe) are instant nostalgia for me. I don’t even mind that you have to buy two or three dozen at once now—they’re that delicious!

I remember being part of the esteemed “Cookie Club” as a child and looking forward to grocery store visits. I kept my official Club Card in my pink Hello Kitty wallet and was on a first name basis with the staff. I never won a cookie cake, but boy did I try.

I moved from Florida nearly ten years ago and sadly there’s not a Publix in sight north of the Mason Dixon Line. When I do return ‘home’ I make a beeline for the bakery and those familiar cookies that taste like childhood, with every chewy, chocolatey bite. Thanks for making them so delicious.

Fondly,

Lauren

MoMA kids note cards, circa 1994–I felt it was very apropos, no? I found them in a box in the attic while I was in Orlando for the weekend.

forty-six: birthday wishes for CJ

CJ and I survived a semester of chemistry with a professor who wore exceedingly tight jeans, chuckled our way through conversational Spanish and even spent a few months under the same roof at my parents house. He is my high school pal turned grown-up friend. And he’s one in a million.

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February 15, 2011

CJ (a.k.a. Ce Jota),

I know this card is not of the traditional birthday variety, but its sentiments reign true my friend. You are my hero (and thanks to your recent gym regimen I think you’d look pretty darn great in a bulletproof leotard).

You’ve succeeded beyond measure and have so many accomplishments to your name. A quick wit and a completely infectious laugh always keep me smiling. And that heart of yours inspires me to be a better person.

I have so many fond memories of our adolescence: passing notes in class, tormenting our Spanish teacher and having heartfelt chats in my driveway in your little red Mazda. Remember when you gave me the courage to tell my crush just how much I adored him? And when you helped me master acute and obtuse angles in geometry?

I love that ten years later, we’re still friends. And now there are new memories. You were my first New York visitor by way of Florida and when we do get each other on the phone for a proper chat it is as if no time has gone by. I hope to know you for fifty more my friend. Happiest of Birthdays! Here’s to you and a great year ahead (and perhaps a summer Minnesota visit).

Love,

Lauren

Seltzer

forty-five: Valentine love

My second favorite holiday is Valentine’s Day. I know, I know. I should hate it, but I am weak in the presence of pink and red hearts. And since I was completely delinquent this holiday season on the card front, I decided to send Valentines to my friends and family.

I love the novelty of conversation hearts (comes with the territory of favoring a “Hallmark Holiday”) so I designed a candy-inspired card of my favorite things. It should be noted, I have a hard time committing to ‘favorites’. In an attempt to convert V-Day haters, I enclosed a pass-along Valentine of the fill-in-the-blank variety: I LOVE YOU MORE THAN_________.

Hope you had a Happy Heart Day!

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MY FAVORITE THINGS

the sea, rubies, proper chats, typewriters, sunshine, curiosity, concerts, grilled cheese, peonies, old photos, martinis, love letters, a good book, pearls, bicycles, bubble gum, London, tea, quick wit, sequin, dinner parties, stripes, the movies, pinkberry… and a zillion other wonderful somethings!

xxo

(In full disclosure, I misspelled rubies on the valentine. Ooops! This is what happens when you hustle folks. I had them printed and then jetted, realizing my mistake as I addressed them at 30,000 feet. Please forgive me!)

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Printed by the wonderful Village Copier. Envelopes from Paper Presentation.

forty-four: birthday wishes for Jason

Jason and I met through a mutual friend. He’s a character and always entertaining (case in point: he can’t drink beer but he planned a beer pong bash for his birthday).

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February 13, 2011

Jason,

Wishing you a very happy birthday! I’m quite sure I can count on you to celebrate irresponsibly. May you bring your ‘A’ game (and your whisky) to the pong table. And may the year ahead be filled with all good things (like $100 bills + more art).

Best Wishes,

Lauren

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Seltzer

forty-two: a postcard for Elizabeth

Elizabeth is one of the loveliest ladies I know. She exudes style, can make a mean pistachio cake and she’s always the perfect date for the ballet!

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February 11, 2011

Elizabeth,

I saw this and immediately thought of my favorite Francophile. Thanks for your recent emails and thoughtful links. You are the best! I am so looking forward to a proper catch up over brunch in a few weeks.

Love,

Lauren

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Postcard by Nouvelle Images

forty-one: a letter for artist Will Ryman

Artist Will Ryman has teamed up with the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation and the Paul Kasmin Gallery to create an enchanting installation on the Park Avenue Mall. Thirty-eight giant rose sculptures (complete with thorns and beetles) charm to bits! They’re not to be missed friends.

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February 10, 2011

Dear Will,

I am just besotted with your giant roses lining Park Avenue. Those pops of fuchsia and pink delight, and I am especially fond of the colossal beetles and bees!

Congratulations on a brilliant installation and thank you for bringing spring to New York a few months ahead of schedule. Your posies are doing a darn good job of staving off my usual winter doldrums.

With sincere gratitude,

Lauren

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William Arthur