I trust you all had a lovely weekend and duly celebrated the Dad (s) in your life. I had the pleasure of dining with mine last night at The Modern (if only there had been time for a quick jaunt to the museum). He’s the best there is and he’s all mine–one of the perks of being an only child!

Wishing the UP, Mr. Wonderful, the ever-loving ever groovin’ Chris Kay and my Dad a VERY Happy Father’s Day.

I am so lucky to have a Dad who always leads by example, loves unconditionally and supports me whole heartedly. I like the looks of the coming year… a new adventure for you, and a long (ahem, thanks to you) walk down the aisle for me. Please try not to let me cry too much. I love knowing you’ll be by my side, as you’ve always been. Thank you for being the best Dad a girl could wish for. I hope my kids are as lucky someday.

My heart is so full with love for you,
xo Lauren

Mr. Boddington’s Studio

The language of stamps emerged in the early twentieth century, during the Victorian era. Stamp placement became a discreet way of communicating affection during a courtship–this method was especially favored by young lovers whose parents often censored mail. And it became more widely favored when postcards grew in popularity. You wouldn’t want the postman to freely read all your heart’s desire, would you?

The code varied based on the language spoken. Sometimes lovers or pen pals would create their own secret code as a way of adding fun and mystery to their correspondence. Today the language of stamps is rarely used, except in war zones and in prisons. I say we bring it back!

Here’s a little code to get you started…

center of envelope at top: yes

center of envelope at bottom: no

upside down and diagonally: I miss you

sideways, head to the right: love + kisses

sideways, head to the left: I promise not to leave you

upside down, top right corner: I love you or lovesick

diagonally on top left corner: My heart is another’s

straight up and down: Goodbye sweetheart

upside down, top right corner: Do you love me?

right angle, top left corner: I hate you

upright top right corner: I desire your friendship

upright in line with recipient’s surname: accept my love

right angle in line with recipient’s surname: I long to see you

centered on right edge: write immediately

Would you ever use a secret stamp code in your correspondence? I love the historical significance and think it just oozes romance!

P.S. It strangely reminds me of my youth, when pagers or beepers were all the rage. My friends and I would “beep” each other number codes, like 143 for I love you. Ha!

Weddings are stressful. There I said it.

Everyone is all smiles and hugs when you get engaged offering words of wisdom like, “just enjoy this time and each other.” No one tells you wedding planning is tricky business. There are lots of decisions, lots of people to please and lots of dollars in question. I know it will be an unforgettable day filled with memories to last a lifetime. And as my Gramma says, I’ve already got the prize. But some days, the drudgery sucks the wind right out of my sails. My sweet friend Lori gave me a little present, “to get me in the wedding spirit,” the good kind of wedding spirit as I see it. What a darling!

Lori,

You are too sweet! Thank you for the beautiful Waterford ring holder. It has taken up residence on my dresser and dutifully holds my sparkler while I sleep (will I ever get used to wearing a ring always?!). You are so thoughtful! I am most thankful for our friendship (the “office” is just not the same when you’re not working) and delighted to know you’ll be celebrating with Adam and I in November. Let’s go for wine soon–reclaim the Vanguard, wink!

Love,
Lauren

kate spade

Christine + Eddie,

So, how does it feel to be homeowners at last? Congratulations on your beautiful new house! We know it will be filled with love and laughter and perhaps the pitter patter of little feet someday (the four-legged pitter patter is quite nice too)? We are so happy for you both, and admittedly a little proud too–way to beat your oldest brother to the punch! Wishing you two many happy days, very little fix-its for you Eddie  and loads of wonderful memories on Empire Road. Starting now!

Love + Best Wishes,
Lauren + Adam
xoxo

letterspace paper 

Last Tuesday my Gramma turned eighty-six. She is beautiful as ever and filled with more energy than me most days. Last year we celebrated big– there were not one but three cakes and a pinata–at my insistence of course. This year, she gathered a few of her friends for dinner and an off-key rendition of Happy Birthday (as she tells it). And there was chocolate cake, her favorite. What more could a girl ask for?

Happy Birthday Gramma,

I hope you have the most wonderful day. I wish I could be there to help you celebrate (I’m always looking for an excuse to bake + eat Beatty’s Chocolate cake), but I’m singing along in spirit! I have a feeling this is going to be a great year for you–new home, new friends, and a new grandson-in-law in a few months. :) May you be blessed with excellent health, lots of love and some very happy memories. Looking forward to our next visit already… love you to the moon!

xo Lauren

Rifle Paper Co.

Two weeks ago I had the distinct pleasure of attending the National Stationery Show. Talk about a kid in a candy store. There were so many talented designers present and such beautiful creations to oogle. I snapped a few iPhone photos while I weaved in and out of the aisles and aisles of paper—oh my! The worst part: you can look, but you can’t buy (until you finally have a stationery store and all your dreams are realized, ahem).

I was really taken with Fig 2 Design Studio. The Letters for Love project was one of my favorite finds–the team at Fig 2 teamed up with seasoned calligraphers to create beautiful cards (in neon pink!). A portion of the proceeds go to charity and these letter-loving gals aptly selected Oklahoma City tornado relief. I also was obsessed with the booth lady’s button: send more letters!

There was lots of mail love friends. Meg, a soldier’s wife, is the mastermind behind Belle & Union. She sweetly partners with Operation Write Home, an incredible organization (and a whole other post) that sends stationery to soldiers overseas. Fracas Studios had total treasures with custom stamp cards and cute red and blue pencils. And Ink Meets Paper wow-ed with modern simplicity. I swoon over any encouragement of letter writing.

I was totally taken with Puddleduck Paper Co. I loved the hand lettering, the kraft envelopes, the bold designs–I could go on and on! This gal really gets graphic patterning!

I loved all the paper supplies, like gorgeous wrap from Mr. Boddington’s Studio, chic pens from Snow & Graham and some sweet mail-inspired stickers from 9th Letter Press.

And the stamps! Oh the stamps. I loved the create-your-own kit from Yellow Owl Workshop and the gorgeous custom address stamps by Ladyfingers Letterpress.

More post-inspired paper from Sugar Paper, letter writing kits from Pistachio Press and a nod to the postal workers from Grey Moggie Press (who’s motto is write more. on paper. –love!).

I am always impressed by the cleverness of Sapling Press. I mean, the wit is just unmatched! And The Social Type blew me away with their glitter and shine! They had the most adorable matchboxes (which I failed to photograph, duh) that would pair perfectly with a deliciously scented candle.

It. Was. All. Amazing. If you ever have a chance to go, GO! Besides all the gorgeous paper, you’ll have unparalleled access to the designers, so you can ask super important questions like, “whats your favorite color,” wink!

Today’s letters are traveling all the way to Australia! Kathleen is a long-time supporter of snail mail and Letters from Lauren. The poor darling has attempted to send me not one BUT two post cards. And despite having the correct address, both have been returned! I just had to return the favor. Meaghan, a sweet fifteen-year-old requested a letter. She loves to send them, but her mailbox never feels full enough. I know how exciting mail call is (at any age) and was happy to oblige.

Kathleen,

Thank you so much for your second attempt at letter sending. I maintain the postmen of our respective countries are conspiring against us! The post card is just beautiful (even on screen) and makes me want to visit Australia more than ever. Adam and I are considering it for a honeymoon destination. We want to go far, far away (somewhere where his blackberry for work doesn’t get a signal). I know it’s a big country, but do you have any recommendations? We’re also thinking about a safari in Africa. There is so much to see and because we both love to travel, we’re having a hard time making decisions! We’re also hoping to travel right after our wedding in November, so I’d like to make sure we’re visiting wherever we go at the optimal time–even if that means missing Thanksgiving! I hope you’re enjoying a nice summer–or is it fall on your side of the world? Thanks for being such a sweet supporter of mine—it means the world! Here’s hoping this makes it to you!

Best,

Lauren

elum

Hi Meaghan,

Thanks for your sweet note! I am always excited to meet fellow letter writers–especially ones from across oceans!

So besides your letter penning hobby, what do you like to do? When I was fifteen years old, I was dancing my feet off–I took about thirteen hours of ballet a week! Not surprisingly, I passed notes like crazy back then too. My friend and I had a notebook we’d write in and leave in each other’s lockers. I still have it, fifteen years later!

I hope you have a great summer—what do you do in Australia during summer? I always went to the pool or played at the beach, but your seasons are opposite. And I really do hope your friends and family start writing back! You are so thoughtful to send them letters. Snail mail is special, and you can save notes unlike a text message of gratitude.Thanks for reading (+ writing)!

Best wishes,

Lauren

eggpress

I got a tip from Miss Alex that Miranda July has a new project in the works. You can read all the details here. We Think Alone is an excuse to read some mundane emails from some pretty swell people. Every Monday from July 1 until November 11, a ‘themed compendium of ten emails will arrive in your inbox’. If you sign up, that is…

While they aren’t stamped letters, they are quite reflective of our modern day correspondence. And who wouldn’t want an email from Lena Dunham?!

Two weeks ago, my dear friend Claire got engaged. Two days after the sweet proposal she earned another diploma–this girl does not mess around. I am just so happy for Claire + Geoff (the lucky guy) and for the bright future that lies before them.

Claire,

My heart just swells for you! So much happy headed your way! Congratulations on your engagement. Geoff is such a wonderful man–and gosh does he love you. I know he will be the perfect companion, friend and partner for you. (May we just remind him that I loved you first?!) I wish you two a beautiful life filled with love, laughter and sunny days!

Love,

Lauren xoxo

RAVENSGOODS

Well hello there smarty pants!

You are just full of accomplishments lately. Slow down and let the rest of us catch up! Congratulations on earning your masters degree! I am so proud of you (looks like you got your MRS the second time around too, wink). May it bring you loads of professional success. I know you’ll be great at whatever lies ahead–I’m so excited to have a front row seat. Now enjoy summer while you still can (and for the rest of us too). Love you tons!

Lauren xoxo

Rifle Paper Co.

Adam and I have been doing a lot of travel as of late. Between planning a wedding in another state and the official start of summer (hello white denim!) our bags are perennially packed. As a result, Adam has become accustomed to hand sanitizer, Tums and toothpaste at the ready. This becomes problematic when he flies solo for business.

Adam is a man. This means he really can’t be bothered with a ziploc full of potions that must be removed at security. He can, however, be known to overdo it on the curry or wasabi. Before boarding his last flight to Los Angeles, he actually asked for hand sanitizer. So this time around, I collected a few necessities for his toiletry bag (never underestimate gas x when you’re 20,000 feet above the clouds and pumped full of recycled air). And because Adam is not a type-A, born-planner like me, I packed him a bag of snacks to make his cross country journey more palatable. Naturally, I included a little note.

Do you ever pack notes in your loved ones suitcases (or lunch boxes)? My Mom was a flight attendant and flew to Europe weekly when I was a kid. I loved tucking notes deep into her suitcase for discovery mid-trip. I just adore little surprises like that!