one-hundred and thirty-four: congratulations for Kristin

Friends, it’s all weddings all the time in my world. Last night, my oldest friend got engaged. Her fiancé let me in on his proposal plans, so like any good friend I was waiting by the phone, hot with anticipation. I picked up on the first ring wherein a giggly Kristin revealed the details of her seaside proposal. Now I’m all tickled too!

May 15, 2011

Kristin,

CONGRATULATIONS! Yes, all caps are necessary for my bonded buddy! Even though I knew this was coming (your now-fiancé was gushing about his plans at Er’s wedding) I am still wrapping my head around this—I feel like just yesterday we were talking about our middle-school crushes while catching waves at the beach. I think we’re officially growing up old friend—can this really be?

I am so very happy for you. Best of all I love that I’ll be standing beside you for another milestone (this summer makes twenty-two years of us—beat that Jon!). I can’t wait to give you an in-person squeeze.

Love you lots,

Lauren  xxo

Mr. Boddington’s Studio

one hundred and thirty-three: a shower of love for Dara

My friend Dara will be wed in exactly sixty-four days. Ah! As such, many parties must be thrown in her honor. Sadly, I am missing two today. But fret not friends, a lovely letter and gifts selected especially from the Mrs-to-be wish list are en route.

May 14, 2011

Dara,

Wishing you the loveliest of showers and the dirtiest of hen parties, respectively of course. I’m terribly sorry I won’t be able to partake in the celebrations, but I am there in spirit.

I just can’t believe you will be a married woman in two short months! What happened to the carefree days on the quad?

I can’t wait to celebrate with you and Josh. I am OH so happy for you.

Lots of love,

Lauren xxo

Bella Ink  (graciously donated–thank you!)

one hundred and thirty-two: a letter for Tanner

Today’s letter goes out to a very special little brother, Tanner. His big sister Brittany was my childhood playmate. I remember when Tanner was born and an unexpected complication meant a weeknight sleepover for us girls. And how could I forget shooing him out of Britt’s room shouting, “you can’t play with us you’re a boy.” And then one day, when I wasn’t looking Tanner got tall and handsome and became a star volleyball player. How do you like that?

May 13, 2011

Tanner,

Congratulations on your graduation and your acceptance into med school! I saw your Mom last weekend and she was beaming with pride (as she should be)! Your sisters too! I am so happy for you and duly impressed.

What happened to the little boy with the chubby cheeks who always wanted to play “house” with the girls? I don’t know where the time goes, but from the looks of it you’ve grown up to be a mighty fine guy.

Sincere congratulations on all of your achievements. Best wishes and good-study karma at USF in the fall. I know you will make a brilliant doctor!

All the best,

Lauren

Sycamore Street Press

one hundred and thirty: a birthday card for Adam

Today my very dear friend Adam turns another year older. I think he’s been kind of dreading his birthday, but I have high hopes a big present and a delicious dinner at Minetta Tavern will cure all unnecessary birthday blues.

May 11, 2011

Happy Birthday Adam! Wishing you a wonderful day—a day better than your Mom’s cherry pie or shooting par, because you deserve it. I hope this (very scary) twenty-ninth year surpasses all your expectations. I am so grateful for you today and always. Here’s to you and ten years of friendship!

xo Lauren

Bella Muse

one hundred and twenty-six: congratulations for Erin + Ben

Today my dear friend Erin married her love, Ben. We couldn’t have asked for bluer skies, a more gorgeous seaside setting or a better looking bride and groom. It was such a well-appointed affair full of wonderful people.

One of my favorite takeaways from the weekend was post-wedding star gazing. When you live in a city with lots of lights, you come to really appreciate an easily spotted constellation. Simple pleasures and good friends sure make for wonderful memories. Congratulations Mr. + Mrs. Hudson, may you live happily ever after!

May 7, 2011

Erin and Ben,

(The NEW Mr. and Mrs. Hudson)

My heart is just bursting with love for you both. It is such an honor to be a part of your wedding–a memory I will cherish always. May your new life together be filled with good health, happiness and lots of love. Best wishes today and always.

Love,

Lauren xxo

(in my haste to get down the aisle I forgot to jot down the stationer, please forgive me!)

one hundred and twenty-three: a letter for Kastro

I am not, in fact, a natural blonde. I was when I was born, and until about age twelve when things took a turn for the mousy. Mousy brown roots and pasty pale skin does not make for good wedding pictures. And friends, I take my bridesmaid duties seriously. So I paid a visit to my beloved Kastro, the ultimate master of hair. I am fit for company once again!

May 4, 2011

Kastro,

I cannot thank you enough for my little root touch up—oh who are we kidding, total overhaul. I so enjoyed our catch up too. I know the bride-to-be will be so appreciative of your handiwork. And I can hold my head high once again. You’re the best—see you sooner next time.

Fondly,

Lauren

sugar paper

one hundred and twenty-one: a birthday card for Judy

Judy is my Mom’s dear friend and my sometimes boss. She owns two lovely shops in Larchmont and particularly fancies frosting. And today she celebrates her sixtieth birthday! Happy, happy!

May 2, 2011

Judy,

Wishing the snazziest sixty-year old I know a very Happy Birthday! I hope today is full of frosting (hold the cake please) and everything sweet! You don’t look a day over 29, even if you have a grandson.

Wishing you good health, happiness, and lots of Pink on Palmer and Clutch shopaholics, in the year ahead.

Lots of love,

Lauren

paper-loop  +  Archie Grand

one hundred and twenty: a thank you for Alex

Alex and I have this tradition of sending fun holiday and birthday presents, months late. My Christmas package arrived last week, fifteen kraft-paper-wrapped treasures. Some were from her days in London—squeals of delight—and others were “so Lauren” it was just nuts. A proper thank you was a must!

May 1, 2011

Alex,

Oh my darling Palex, how do you do it?! I LOVE everything. Christmas in April sure is swell!

Naturally, I am especially smitten with the British fare. I can’t wait to start needle pointing my bookmark (my Gramma would be so proud) and playing with all my party and baking treats. I’ve already loaded up the straw caddy with my new stripes and I’m doing my best to write neatly with the fancy pen. What do you think?

I am such a lucky girl. Thank you for collecting all these treasures and schlepping them ‘across the pond.’ What did I do to deserve such a thoughtful friend? Thank you, thank you sweets!

I hope to see you and the seals of San Diego soon. Miss you lady! xx

Lauren

uncooked

one hundred and nineteen: a letter for Jenna + one for David too

Last Friday my dearest friend Jenna became engaged to David. Friends, this was six years in the making so you can only imagine my excitement. I am bursting with happiness for the soon-to-be-bride and groom.

April 30, 2011

Jenna,

I am completely overjoyed! And admittedly thrilled to bust out my first Mazel Tov card, ha-ha. I am so glad the proposal went off without a hitch–I would have never heard the end of it if I blew it. Your man had plans!

You are so very special to me and to see you this tickled makes my heart swell. I couldn’t imagine anyone more deserving. I wish you and David all the happiness this life has to offer. And I look forward to celebrating your love! Congratulations on your engagement!

Love,

Lauren

ilee papergoods

+

David,

Nicely done! I guess we know she’s patient, wink.

Congratulations! I am so happy for you both! Thank you for letting me play the tiniest role in the proposal. I was so honored and thrilled to be part of such an unforgettable evening (even if it meant telling white lies). I look forward to watching your love grow. Best wishes and continued happiness!

Love,
Lauren

P.S. I think its only right we celebrate the one year anniversary of your proposal (me too–for real this time). Same table but hold the rabbit. Should I make the reservation or will you?

Old Tom Foolery 

one hundred and fourteen: birthday wishes for Tara

Tomorrow my darling friend Tara turns another year older. I remember our first sleepover, helping her campaign for class secretary (I have to point out she’s Canadian and though she can’t vote, this girl loves a political debate) and video taping her “reporting” as Barbra Walters after a couple of wine coolers (she does work in news now!). Most Tara memories include a good giggle–what I love most! She’s a keeper. Happy birthday friendface!

April 25, 2011

Tara,

Fairytale birthday wishes for my favorite girl! I hope your twenty-eighth year is full of cheer, good health and lots of cupcakes. And while we’re on it… I think this should also be the year you step up the quarterly visits to monthly jaunts–New York (+ me + Ashton) misses you! Wishing you nothing but happiness, today and always! Happy Birthday lovely!

Lo xxo

Kate and Birdie