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.

civilettes

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.

civilettes2

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.

Civilettes

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!

Birthday Wishes for Andrea

andrea2

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.

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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. 

one hundred and seventy-four: birthday cheer for Lisa

Lisa is one of my most favorite people. She has the best attitude about even the worst stuff. She inspires me endlessly (she had a heavy hand in this letter project!), makes me hoot with laughter, and she whips up a mean buffalo wing dip. What’s not to love?! Today she celebrates her birthday!

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June 24, 2011

Lisa,

Happy Birthday pretty lady! I hope today is full of birthday delights (balloons, cake, fanfare) and that ALL your wishes come true. May the year ahead be your best yet—I can’t think of anyone more deserving of rainbows + pots of gold! I am so lucky to have you as a friend! Looking forward to red-velvet cupcakes and celebratory cocktails in your honor! I heart you!

Love,

Lauren

xxo

uncookedland.com 

one hundred and sixty-nine: a letter for a wonderful father

Today is Father’s Day. I am very fortunate to have a wonderful Dad (he dubbed himself Mr. Wonderful and I let it stick) whom I adore. I hope you have the same, or another paternal influence that likes a celebratory meal at a delicious restaurant!

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June 19, 2011

Dad,

This globe reminds me of the weekly summaries you made me to write during middle school. As if having six classes and six homework assignments wasn’t enough, I was the only kid forced to write summaries on them all. No, I haven’t forgotten. I also haven’t forgotten the time you took my dolls away or when you signed me up for co-ed basketball during my formative teen years.

But that’s not all I remember.

I remember styling your hair. Using a dish-towel as a cape and a spray bottle to authentically wet the hair before molding it into the perfect do with bows and ribbons! I applaud your patience. (And take no responsibility for your receding hairline.)

I remember you teaching me how to hit a baseball (albeit with a large and forgiving bat). We’d play for hours in the backyard, with your dirty laundry serving as bases. We developed a fierce little bond during those weekends when Mom was flying and Marie Callender was in charge of dinner.

I remember your unwavering support when the job I loved was lost to the recession. You allowed me to feel sorry for myself, but only for moment. With your encouragement, I picked up the pieces and kept on with the journey.

I am so grateful for you–for your good advice, your support, and most of all your love. You have made me the person I am today. (And you did a darn good job if I do say so myself.) I love you.

Happy Father’s Day Mr. Wonderful!

xo Lauren

Snow & Graham 

one hundred and sixty-two: birthday wishes for Anne Frank

I remember reading Anne Frank’s diary in grade school, sobbing at the sweet girl’s unfortunate circumstances. And then in college, visiting the secret annex where she hid and documented the comings and goings of her adolescent life. She was a remarkable young lady, with such vision. I particularly like this passage form April 5, 1944:

“I finally realized that I must do my schoolwork… to become a journalist, because that’s what I want! … And if I don’t have the talent to write books or newspaper articles, I can always write fro myself. But I want to achieve more than that. … I want to be useful or bring enjoyment to all people, even those I’ve never met. I want to go on living even after my death. … That’s a big question, will I ever be able to write something great, will I ever become a journalist or a writer?”

I so admire her zest for life, even in the confines of an attic. If Anne had survived, she would turn eighty-two today. Imagine that?! I like to think she would have lived to be a brilliant journalist and more.

…

Anne,

Happy Birthday! It is unfortunate you did not live to see your 82 birthday, or your 21st for that matter (something tells me it would have been more fun). But, I can say you’ve gone on living, long after your death.

Remember that red-and-white checkered diary you started? Well your Dad published it. It’s been translated into 67 languages and is one of the most widely read books in the world (over 30 million copies sold)! Your carefully penned account is legendary. Thank you for your eloquent and courageous contribution to history. Incidentally, your diary was one of the few books on my summer reading list I was actually excited to read! It was my first exposure to the Holocaust.

Eight years ago, I visited the annex of rooms above your father’s office where you hid for two years. I can’t imagine what your life must have been like, or the fear you must have experienced while in hiding. I’m pleased to say our world has come a long way since then. There is always room for improvement of course, but people are much more tolerant and accepting of each other. Its small consolation for the price you and so many others paid, but it’s a step in the right direction. And you played a significant part in that.

You may not have lived to be a journalist in the way you imagined, but you did everything else you set out to do. You wrote something great—something that has brought millions happiness and understanding. And you live on, every day.

Happy Birthday Anne! It’s safe to toot your own birthday horn.

With admiration,

Lauren

 

one hundred and fifty-six: a letter for Candace

Today marks the fourteenth anniversary of Sex and the City’s television debut. Fourteen years—can you believe it? Nearly four million viewers tuned in to the premiere, and by the end, ten million were hooked. (And still are—despite owning the series on dvd, I just watched back-to-back episodes on E!)

I so admire the brains behind the charming characters we’ve come to know and love (and assign to our girlfriends). Candace Bushnell wrote what she knew, and became wildly successful for an alter ego. How fabulous is that?!

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June 6, 2011

Candace,

I’m sure you get lots of fan mail, but I like to think of this note as thank-you mail. I hope you will too.

I’m a big fan, mind you. I think you are just swell!

I’ve read all your books, save the young adult series and am most impressed by your characters. The four women of Sex in the City are shinning examples of your brilliance: complex, confident, and uncharacteristically independent. These disarming gals taught us about friendship and the empowerment of female sexuality. They encouraged us to be true to ourselves, to chase our dreams and to never give up on love. Thank you for thinking them up. I don’t think there will ever be a better foursome. Ever.

Fondly,

Lauren

P.S. I love that your alter ego stole the heart of millions—including mine!

old school kate spade writing paper

Muji pen

one-hundred and fifty-five: a postcard for Kevin

Kevin is a natural joy-spreader. He has an amazing sense of humor, an uncanny skill for retouching photos and a tattoo of the solar system. Does it get any better than that? And today he’s getting a “YOU’RE AWESOME” letter because he is.

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June 5, 2011

Kevin,

I caught up with Charles the other day and he told me his fabulous news. I don’t know how you did it, but I am OH so glad you did. He is so happy! You may have a whole new career in sales, or law for that matter, wink. Thanks for being such an all around great guy. Must see you soon!

Lauren xxo

enormous champion for Chronicle Books postcard

one hundred and fifty-three: a letter for Dwight

My friend Elizabeth and I have a penchant for dance. We’ve become especially smitten with Complexions, a contemporary ballet company based in New York.

We took in a performance at the Joyce last week, and realized after the first act we’d already seen the parts of the show—oops! I guess we are officially groupies. The second act was new (and amazing) and the last act was this great U2 compilation that left me jazzed (once again). The dancers have the most incredible bodies and the choreography is so unique. As Elizabeth said, you’ll never want to eat carbs again! If you ever have a chance to see these amazing dancers perform, take it. You won’t be sorry.

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June 3, 2011

Dwight,

I took in a performance at the Joyce last week and was blown away. Your choreography is just brilliant! I love the fluid movements, mix of methods and ambiguous story lines that permeate each performance. And those dancers of yours are nothing short of amazing. Your music choices are pretty darn great too—that rendition of Swing Low Sweet Chariot gave me goosebumps.

Thanks for sharing your talent and such a unique vision of dance. I am already looking forward to your fall performances.

Best,

Lauren

Mr. Boddington’s Studio 

one hundred and fifty-one: a letter for Grace

I think Grace Bonney is just brilliant—she has a great eye for design and a seemingly endless supply of inspiration. She generously catalogs her finds and musings on her blog, Design*Sponge. Today the site launched its fancy re-design. Everything is shiny and new and even better than before (no, really!).

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June 1, 2011

Grace,

Congratulations on your fantastic redesign! I can only imagine the hours you’ve logged planning the design, cataloging posts and making everything just right.

And just right it is! I love the new color scheme. And the improved organization system delights this type-A girl. I’m even into the ads—which never happens!

Congratulations on a job well done! And thank you for providing such quality content to all the design lovers out there. I don’t know what I would do without you!

Best wishes,

Lauren

Tokketok

one hundred and forty-nine: a letter for a soldier

As you heat up the grill and slice the first watermelon of summer, please remember the people who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. In honor of Memorial Day, today’s letter goes out to a soldier.

A Million Thanks delivers letters to soldiers stationed all over the world—more than five million have been delivered! I encourage you to send a letter too–can you think of anyone more deserving? I wonder if he/she will write back… I’m already giddy with anticipation!

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May 30, 2011

Dear Soldier,

My name is Lauren, and I’m writing a letter a day in 2011. It’s a little 365-day project I embarked on this year. So far it’s been an amazing journey.

I thought you were especially deserving of some correspondence today, it being Memorial Day here in the states. Our country honors your service and your sacrifices today, alongside some potato salad of course. I hope there are hot dogs wherever you are…

I live in New York City, where we just welcomed some very fine service men and women during Fleet Week. I think they brought summer along with them. Our temperatures have spiked—hot and humid days are ahead. I’m not complaining though. It was a long winter and I’m a southerner at heart (I grew up in Florida). What’s the weather like where you’re stationed?

I’m a long time letter-lover. I bet you love receiving letters. They’re the best part of my day and I have plenty of other distractions. What do you like to do to pass the time? I’ve been working on my crossword skills. I’m trying to work up the courage to attempt the Sunday Times’ Puzzle. I also love Scrabble. I’m a word-girl, what can I say?

Before I go, I do want to say thank you. I know you’re making a huge sacrifice for the safety and well being of me and our country. And for that I am so appreciative! I know your daily grind must be thankless, but please know there are strangers out there thinking of you and hoping for your safe and speedy return home. Thank you again.

All the best,

Lauren

P.S. If you want to follow my letter-writing adventures (and have internet access) visit www.lettersfromlauren.com.

P.P.S. I wouldn’t hate it if you wrote back, wink.

Muji writing paper