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.

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!

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!)

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).

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

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!

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

Postcard by Nouvelle Images

thirty-five: sympathy for Claire

I met Claire my freshman year of college. We spent the better part of the next six years cohabitating, first in Syracuse and then in New York City. Some of my best memories include her, and even though she’s half a world a way I think of her daily.

February 4, 2011

Claire,

Darling I am so very sorry to hear about your grandfather’s passing. I know you shared a mutual adoration of one another and a very special bond.

I hope you take comfort in knowing he lived a good, long life. And his memory will live on in you and all those who loved him (including all his lady admirers at the retirement community).

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. If I can do anything for you, just say the word. I love you.

Love,

Lauren xxo

Blue Ribbon Design

thirty-four: a thank you for Toni + Tim

I look after Toni and Tim’s three children–the most well behaved, precocious little people. After spending a few years with this family, they’ve become part of mine. I hope to have a marriage like their’s someday. And should I ever have children of my own, I can only aspire to raise them as well.

February 3, 2011

Toni and Tim,

Thank you so much for the dainty little bracelet. It’s lovely and so unique. Those gorgeous blue stones leave me longing for summer and the beach! I’m so glad you two were able to escape and get some sunshine.

Thank you for your constant thoughtfulness and many sweet gestures! I’m so lucky to have your family in my life.

All the best,

Lauren

Sugar Paper

thirty-three: a letter for Adam

Adam is one of my dearest friends. He’s almost like family (we’ve lived together and he endured a week long vacation with my parents). He gets to deal with my moments–gripes, tummy aches, neurosises. My mother will tell you he “handles” me quite well. And most days I would agree.

February 2, 2011

Adam,

I saw this card in one of my favorite stationery shops in Boston circa 2007. It reminded me of you (red-orange card, fresh breath obsession).

I have been saving it for god knows what…

Anyhow, I’m writing to congratulate you on a great review today. I don’t tell you very often, but I think you are great. And not that I know much of finance (words are my thing as evidenced during our Scrabble game last night), but I think you’re darn good at your job too (the tax bracket separation keeps me from saying so too often). I’m pleased the people you work with recognize this and acknowledge your efforts. Professional praise is a damn good feeling. You’ve achieved a great deal and you should be very proud of yourself. I am proud of you. Continued success my friend.

Love,

Lauren xxo

Joyce Lee Designs

twenty-six: a letter for Paul

Paul worked at the magazine too. He also spun jazz at a bar on the lower east side. And when it was warm he sported man-sandals with pride. A little while ago a lady popped into his life and before you knew it he was trading coasts. Now I’m in charge of retrieving his mail, sigh.

January 26, 2011

Paul,

Thanks for letting me crash your boy’s dinner at Little Dom’s. It was so great to see you (and Paul), and Adrian Gardiner—but not more than you of course. I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet your lady. I think LA is pretty swell and I hope you are very happy here. It’s kind of hard not to be with all the sunshine, no? You know always have a place on my couch if you ever miss the Statue of Liberty or more likely, Casimir.

Love,

Lauren

P.S. I’m glad I have your LA address, because that Chinatown P.O. box is simply dreadful (and I would know!).

Hello Lucky

twenty-five: a postcard for Vu

My friend Vu lived in LA for a few years, so before my jaunt to the west coast he loaded me up with recommendations.

January 25, 2011

Vu,

I took your recommendations and had a most fabulous day! It all started with a trip to the Grove’s farmer market, followed by a lovely tour of the Getty. The crowning glory was the mozzarella bar at Osteria Mozza. HEAVEN. I even had a celeb sighting, which was very LA, no? Thanks so much!

Lauren