one hundred and twenty-four: a letter for My Way Cup

Despite this being the second letter I’ve sent to a barista in as many months, I’m not a coffee drinker. Really. I have a crazy sensitivity to caffeine so I generally avoid it, but some days I cheat…which is usually followed by regret. Will I ever learn? But I digress. Part of the reason I’m cheating is because I’ve discovered My Way Cup. The place is fetching, the coffee is beyond delicious and the baristas are super friendly. If you live nearby, you must stop in.

OH and Happy Cinco de Mayo!

…

May 5, 2011

Dear Charming (+ darn cute) Baristas,

I don’t know whether to thank you or berate you for making such delicious coffee. I have a real sensitivity to caffeine so I don’t usually drink coffee. But I ‘m having such a hard time resisting your brew! Your friendly service is icing on the cake. And may I also say how much I love your décor. I am completely smitten. Shame on you for bringing such tempting java to my doorstep! Oh, but please don’t stop.

Yours truly,

Lauren

kraft paper + envelope from Paper Presentation 

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: 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 sixteen: a letter for Jennifer

Jennifer probably gets called a hero at least once a day. She’s a “genius” at the Apple store in Soho. And on Tuesday night she was my hero. She did some diagnostics, some restarts and fancy keyboard shortcuts and…revival! I was beyond thrilled and had to resist the urge to jump across the counter and squeeze her silly (I’m a hugger).

…

April 27, 2011

Jennifer,

Thank you for your swift repair of my laptop. You must hear this all the time, but you were my hero Tuesday!

Its amazing (and perhaps a little embarrassing) how dependent we are on electronics these days. You listened to me with such genuine concern for my technical woes. Best of all, you were able to fix me up and send me on my way. And if my screen decides to be smart and play the fuzz trick again, I’m coming straight to you. Thanks again for your help!

Best,

Lauren

Bella Ink  (graciously donated–thank you!)

one hundred and ten: a thank you (+ a cash tip) for the painter

After much discussion with Henry, the helpful and patient clerk at Janovic, I decided to paint my bedroom Benjamin Moore’s Lacey Pearl. A girl like me can really get behind a paint with the words lacey + pearl in the title. It’s a lovely shade of light gray that I hope will be perfect. While I’m off at work, my building’s painter will be rolling away. I thought a little note of thanks would be just the thing… and a cash tip, because who says no to that?!

…

April 21, 2011

Thanks for your hard work today! I am so grateful. I never really liked this blue hue and am so excited for a little change (after five years!). I appreciate you doing it on such short notice too!

All the best,

Lauren

Liberty of London for Target (no longer available, sorry)

one hundred and nine: a thank you for Mom

I feel a little sheepish admitting this to you all, but I love to clean. It’s not really the act of scouring I adore, but the results. I spent the better half of the last two days giving my apartment a serious scrub-down. My lovely Mother led the spring-cleaning charge, arriving armed with Clorox wipes and industrial rubber gloves. God bless this woman! As a little thank you, I picked up a pair of flashy spring rain shoes. And of course, a proper note of thanks…

…

April 20, 2011

Mom,

Despite the dust and grime, I so enjoyed our annual cleaning spree. Lovely 7 J and I thank you, oh so much. I couldn’t have done it without you. And thanks for running me around town in an effort to expedite my many errands. My, cars are swell.

Most of all, I loved spending two days in your company. You are the best and I am so lucky you are mine.

Love,

Lauren

P.S. I owe you a manicure.

 Lily Pulitzer

one hundred and seven: a thank you for my Photoshop teacher

I’ve just spent the last ten-weeks attempting to master the basics of Adobe Photoshop. I’m not sure if I have ever focused so intensely, or done so many hours of mouse-clicking homework. But, I do feel like I’ve kind of, sort of, got it. The basics that is, just the basics. And for that I have Mark to thank.

…

April 18, 2011

Mark,

Just a quick note of thanks for your unfaltering patience this semester. Your step-by-step assignment instructions were invaluable. I feel so liberated, having mastered the concepts of layers and masking—total Latin to me before your class. And while I’m quite sure photoshop and I are still adversaries, I’m seeing tiny glimmers of hope at the end of this long journey. Big thanks to you and your teachings!

All the best,

Lauren

R. Nichols

one-hundred and six: a letter for she hit pause

I discovered She Hit Pause Studios at the Brooklyn Flea a couple of weeks ago and nearly swooned on the spot. Photographer Matt Schwartz’s dream-like polaroids are completely entrancing. There are so many stunners to choose from, but ‘girl in a field’ spoke to me and begged to be taken home. Naturally, I obliged.

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April 17, 2011

Dear Matt,

I just thank my lucky stars I found you at the Brooklyn Flea. I am so enchanted by your work, especially my newly framed girl in a field. She has such promise of sunny days (they must be just around the corner, right?!) and carefree lolling. Best wishes and continued success!

All the best,

Lauren

Paper Source

one hundred and five: a letter for Debbie Millman

I am a big fan of talk radio. I wake up to NPR’s Morning Edition and have a dozen or so podcasts synced to my iPod daily. One of most favorite radio shows is Design Matters with Debbie Millman. She carries on a clever conversation about design, interviewing artists, writers and graphic designers. Today I treated myself to a grilled cheese and a few hours of Debbie’s discourse.

…

April 16, 2011

Dear Debbie,

I spent today catching up on your brilliant radio show archives. I subscribe to your podcast, but so rarely have the time to listen to your shows in their entirety, uninterrupted. Your poised and soothing voice was the perfect antidote to a rainy Saturday.

I was especially delighted about your recent interviews with Grace Bonney and Heather Armstrong—two of my favorite bloggers. You always seem to ask just the question I’m wondering about myself. Thanks for keeping the design conversation alive!

All the best,

Lauren

P.S. I love your theme music too!

Crane and Co.

one hundred and two: a letter for the Naked Chef

If you haven’t seen Jamie Oliver in action, you’re missing out. I’ve been a long-time fan of his cookbooks, but his efforts to educate Americans and combat obesity are awe-inspiring. Perhaps I’m biased—I’m a real sucker for a British accent—but I am totally moved by Jamie’s campaign. After all the challenges faced in last night’s premiere, I thought Jamie could use a little encouragement to keep fighting (and cooking) through this season…

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April 13, 2011

Jamie,

I am so inspired and touched by your mission to change my country’s obesity epidemic. The first season of your show moved me to tears. I was shocked to think children couldn’t identify a tomato or potato, but had no problem naming French fries and ketchup among their favorite foods. Watching you teach families how to make healthier eating choices made me want to get involved. I signed your petition and even started paying closer attention to the food I put in my own shopping cart.

I am so impressed by your determination and drive to help our country. I’ve been a long time fan of your cooking and a collector of your books, but this campaign of yours has made me a real Jamie Oliver groupie! Thank you for making this, us,  your mission. Best of luck to you! You’re changing lives (even if the LA school board won’t budge).

All the best,

Lauren

Really Good + Edward Monkton (purchased in lovely London)