June 22, 2018 Leave a Comment

A Love Letter to My Mom

In the midst of a family celebration, I couldn’t help but think of my Mom. She died nearly eight years ago and I miss her like crazy still and I imagine I always will. ❤

I’m the baby on the bottom left, the big girl at the top left, and the little cutie on the far left in the photo on the right.

She was a wonderful woman. So kind and sweet and to tell the truth, I don’t think I ever heard her yell . . . except to call us for an ice cream cone or that it was dinner time!

See her sweet smile? (She is the one on the far right)

That is her sister Donna next to her and Aunt Donna’s husband, Uncle Bill next to her and he’s holding me! Pretty cute, aren’t I? 😉 Aunt Donna was sweet like my Mom too.

These two letters above, I picked up at a garage sale years ago. Maybe one day I’ll try to track down the families to return the letters to them.

My mom used to write wonderful letters like these and I own a ton of them. I couldn’t just let them end up in a thrift shop or a garage sale like these did, so I boxed them up to keep. I really do treasure them.

I always looked forward to getting her letters, from the time I first moved out at 18 till she became unable to write due to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. She had the most beautiful handwriting, seriously amazing penmanship.

I aspire to be the snail mail pro that my Mom was. I’ll still probably always write like a 4th grader, but that doesn’t matter, right? 😎

Thanks for popping by guys and thank you, Danielle, as always, for the snail mail inspiration!!!

xoxoxo

Nancy

PS. Our third year anniversary is coming up in July AND the curated collection is bigger & better than ever (so many fun extras for subscribers only!) Get a regular, mini subscription or gift subscription NOW before spots fill up.

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Author Bio

Nancy Gaines is a photo stylist and storyteller, as well as a passionate food photographer. She loves all things paper, crafty and colorful. Her creative, seemingly bionic eye for cute has her shooting a magazine cover for SISTERS magazine and designing, making and shooting a children’s book with author Elizabeth Lymer. Nancy is a wife, mother and grandma who lives in Portland, Oregon. She launched an adventurous online biz with her daughter, Aisha at everydaynaseeha.com. You can also find her on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Click the button below to opt-in to our newsletter list and you’ll get instant access to our free resource library filled with PDFs and worksheets to make it as easy as possible to send cards and spread love.

June 15, 2018 Leave a Comment

How to Do a Mid-Year Review on Your Goals

We’re already halfway through June & now is a great time to do a mid-year check-in on your goals or intentions for the year.

How to Do a Mid-Year Review on Your Goals

For the past 7 years, I’ve followed the tradition of choosing One Little Word® by Ali Edwards. My previous words have been: Momentum, Possibility, Shine, Brave, Commit, Thrive & Open.

My OLW for 2018 is Vitality. I want to feel alive, awake & full of energy. And to create deliberate action.

Each of these OLWs are broad in scope but I write out specific action steps for every word. For my 2018 word vitality, I’m focusing on creating more energy in my life by stretching in the morning when I get out of bed, getting at least 7 hours of sleep most nights, reading for pleasure daily (I’ve read at least 10 pages every single day this year!) & create for personal pleasure (I’ve scrapbooked 74 days straight as part of the #100dayproject!).

Doing a mid-year check in helps me celebrate the forward progress I’ve made (hello, did you see that I’ve read every single day & scrapbooked 74 days straight?! Woot! Woot!) AND reevaluate & reassess on the areas that need more attention. Ahem, I’m coming for you exercise & consistently eating healthier.

I like to make a ritual out of my mid-year check in by pulling out my journal & favorite pen, grabbing some coffee & reflecting.

Here’s some of my favorite journaling prompts & goal-setting tips:

In the beginning of the year I answer these 5 questions from Alexandra Franzen. You could also answer these anytime of the year. And if you’re beating yourself up for “failing” then please read this post from Alex because it’s never too late to start & “transformation begins with a personal choice.”
Here’s the mid-year check in I use (also from Alex).
Here’s 5 questions for a Year in Review from Danielle LaPorte that works for mid-year too (plus a weekly & monthly check in forms you can download if you like tracking your goals)
Here’s a mid-year check in specifically for business owners/entrepreneurs from Lisa Jacobs of Marketing Creativity.
If you’re looking to get started or to set new goals check out Chris Guillebeau’s post on conducting an annual review – he also includes an excel template to download.
Here’s an in-depth post from Jack Canfield on goal setting tips & SMART goals.
If you like worksheets, grab this goal setting action worksheet from Inkwell Press.

So on a very basic level, if you want to do a mid-year check in, take a look at what worked & why in the past 6 months. Next, look ahead to the rest of the year & identify areas you’d like to focus on & why. Then make a specific action plan. No broad, vague, goals like I’m going to lose weight. Instead, state your reason for losing weight like I want more energy to play with my children or I want more energy so I can work on my business. Then be specific with how you’ll make progress: I’ll walk every day for 20 minutes & do strength training 3 days. Lastly & completely optional, pick a word/theme for the rest of the year. It’s a great & easy way to keep aligned with your goals. I have my OLW everywhere as a visual reminder.

Let us know in the comments below if you do a mid-year check in & what your OLW or theme or intentions are for the rest of 2018. ALSO, any victories you want to celebrate so we can give you a virtual high-five!

PS. If you’re looking for some stylish yet functional organizational items, there’s 2 June Stationery Boxes left for single purchase (no subscription)! It’s a $112 value for $45! There’s a an incredible project book so you can kick butt on your goals!

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June 8, 2018 Leave a Comment

DIY Pop Up Card Tutorial and Printables for Every Occasion

Make your message really pop this Father’s Day with this DIY pop up card tutorial from Personal Creations. Pop up cards are a great surprise for dad, and they’ll make your gift and message stand out from the others (talk about brownie points)! These pop up cards are simple and easy to create. In just six steps, you’ll have a card he’ll be sure to put on the mantle.

DIY Pop Up Card Tutorial and Printables for Every Occasion

How to Create Your Pop Up Card

What You’ll Need

2 pieces of cardstock or construction paper
Scissors
Glue stick
Pop up card printables (or extra paper if you’d prefer to create your own art)
Art supplies to decorate with (markers, glitter)

Instructions

Step 1: Fold one piece of construction or cardstock paper in half. For smaller cards, cut the paper to size before you fold.

Step 2: Cut slits at the center of the card. With the folded side facing you, cut two 1.5 inch slits. The paper that is between each of the cust will create a tab that you can then secure the pop up cart to. Create wide or narrow tabs depending on the pop up art you choose. Create multiple tabs if you want to add pop up art along the width of the card.

Step 3: Open the card and fold tabs inward. Crease each tab at the center. They should now be on the inside of the card.

Step 4: Choose your pop up art. Select what will go one each tab by either printing Personal Creations’ pop up printables or creating your own. Cut the pop up art out and glue with a glue stick on each tab.

Step 5: Fold the second piece of paper in half. This is the outside of your finished card. Glue the outside of the first piece of paper. Put the first piece of paper inside of the second piece of paper and press together, hiding the tab cutouts.

Step 6: Lastly, decorate your card! Write a message to dad about how much you love him, and top it with glitter, stickers or additional stationery pieces that you cut out into shapes.

Bear Hug Pop Up Card

This Father’s day, create a beary special pop up card for the outdoorsy dad or the dad who loves adventure. Include a time when you both when camping together, or a funny family memory encountering a wild animal (maybe something a bit more friendly!) What is not included: the bear hug you’re going to give him along with this card.

Message Ideas

I’d be bearly anything without you Dad!
Thanks for bearing me, Dad!
Happy Father’s Day to the beary best!
I almost can’t bear how much I love you.
Life without you is un-bearable.

Plant Pop Up Card

For the green thumb dad, this card is a great way to show him how much he’s helped you grow. While this is a great one for Father’s Day, this pop up card also is perfect for a birthday, anniversary or even just a thank you message!

Message Ideas

I’m proud to be yorchid.
Dad, you’re pretty rad(ish).
Unbeleafable Dad!
Dad you can’t be beat!
You’re not just arugula dad.

Pet Pop Up Card

For dads who love their furry friends, make this pet pop up card and personalize it with his pet’s features! This is also a great get well card and happy birthday card for anyone special in your life.

The pet pop up card is a bit different than the others. Rather than cutting slits into your paper, you will fold each of the pieces along the black dotted lines provided on the printables.

Glue the tail-side to the back of the card and secure the feet to the bottom of the card.
Glue the folded white section on one side of the rectangle. Attach to the the back side of the card overlapping with the back legs.
Glue the front legs to the other side of the rectangle and attach the front feet to the bottom of the card.
Glue on the head, and your puppy or kitten card is complete!

Message Ideas

I wuf you Dad!
You’re the best doggone dad in the world!
Raise the woof, it’s your birthday!
Not feline well? I’ve got your back.
You’re purrfect in every way.

Now that you know how to create pop up cards, what are you waiting for? Create the perfect pop up card for Dad that he’ll love!

Printable Pop Up Card Decorations

If you need a few more elements to take your card to the next level, these decorations are sure to help! We’ve included word bubbles, banners and other designs to decorate both the front and inside of your card.

PS. If DIY is not your thing, check out our Best Father’s Day Cards Roundup.

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Author Bio

When Katie Santos isn’t writing at her desk, she loves traveling the world and taking Italian classes in her spare time! You can find heron Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

June 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

The 10 Best Wedding Cards & Gift Ideas

It’s June & that means that summer is almost officially here AND wedding season is upon us!

We’ve rounded up 10 of our favorite cards & wedding gift ideas (not the typical registry type presents) so that you’re prepared for wedding season.

Also did you know that the traditional one year wedding anniversary gift is paper? We’ve been honored to share in this special occasion by sending gift curated collections for quite a few anniversaries.

The 10 Best Wedding Cards & Gift Ideas

1. For your recently engaged bestie who you couldn’t be happier for, give her this card from Page Stationery.

2. For the beautiful couple, this letterpress, gold foil card from Little Well Paper Co, is sure to delight.

3. For the moment the bride will always treasure, a card to the bride’s mom by Ramona & Ruth. (And this card from a bride to her Dad).

4. For the couple with an awesome sense of humor (and free bar) from Lovebird Paper.

5. For your girl gang, who you couldn’t possibly do this whole marriage thing without them standing by your side, from Rifle Paper Co. (Along with this thank you card for after the wedding).

6. A gorgeous wedding gift journal from Sugar Paper to keep all those gifts & details organized for sending thank yous.

7. A perfectly thoughtful personalized keepsake box from Cardtorial to preserve those one of a kind memories.

8. A personalized (date & location) star map from Finch & Cotter for the star crossed lovers.

9. For the wedding party, these cute temporary tattoos (with so many options & one for mom of the bride & mom of the groom too) from DayDream Prints.

10. A custom watercolor wedding portrait from Simply Jessica Marie is a unique gift that the couple can place front & center on their mantel.

Share with us in the comments below which card/gift is your fave or a past gift you’ve given.

PS. Here’s a beautiful memories and milestones ritual to celebrate an anniversary.

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May 25, 2018 2 Comments

4 Tips for Handling Stress, Overwhelm and Getting Back on Track

Hi ladies! I can hardly believe it’s almost June! How the heck did that happen? It’s so good to be able to chat with you again! I hope you all have been doing wonderfully!

4 Tips for Handling Stress, Overwhelm and Getting Back on Track

My post today, is about planning and what happens when your plan(s) either quietly slip through your fingers or just completely derail like a train wreck!

Both can seem to happen in a blink of an eye and as an entrepreneur you are, much of the time, solely responsible for setting “all the plans” back in order!

Some us are able to seemingly cope with ease and others are their own personal train wreck! Which are you? Or are you somewhere in the middle like me?

What’s my key to handling the “stress” of deadlines, the never enough hours in the day to do “all the plans” and even the guilt for not responding to social media comments timely or finishing that blog post?! Arrrgh!

The list seems endless some days, doesn’t it?? (Like being a day late for writing this guest post! Oops, sorry again, Danielle 💕)

How I manage, is to simply stop the overwhelm. No, I don’t just chuck it all and take a nap . . . although honestly, that might be just what is needed! I do believe in the power of a good nap!

Here are 4 things I do to get back my sanity!

I reassess what’s in my planner. Am I trying to do too much? Do I have too much on my plate and not enjoying any of it?
I write a quick list of what has to be done for today only! And stick to it! Don’t think about the other million things that you think you have to do! They are not in your plans . . . for the day anyway. 💕
I do a “brain dump”. Get all the clutter out of your brain and write it all down on paper. This can be a real eye opener and can also spark new ideas and help you get back on your creative path.
And lastly, I take a walk! Get out of the house and get some fresh air. Look around, take in your surroundings (stay off your phone!) and be grateful. And perhaps help someone else and/or spread some kindness. Being helpful is an instant pick me up! 😎

I hoped this helped, even if it’s just little bit. Let me know in the comments what your tips are for handling stress, overwhelm and getting back on track.

You can never have too many good tips!

xoxoxo

Nancy

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PS. If you’re looking to get organized with luxe items at an uber affordable price, check out the June Stationery Box reveal – it’s a It’s a $112 value for $40!!! Get yours here.

I’d be forever grateful if you found this post helpful to please share it using the buttons at the end of the post.

Author Bio

May 18, 2018 1 Comment

The June 2018 Stationery Box Reveal

The June Stationery Box is here!

Our Stationery Box is a carefully curated paper lover’s dream – a fabulous selection of notebook/journals, stationery, notepads, note cards, office supplies, etc., sent out QUARTERLY so you can get your paper fix – easily & affordably.

Every box includes a variety of premium, luxe items at an uber-affordable price. Case-in-point: The June box has 3 incredible items – two of which are valued at $38 each & the other at $36. Kind of a big deal when the cost of subscription is only $40, right?

Plus, when you sign up and join the Pretty by Post Posse today, you’ll also receive a special subscriber-only discount of $5 off ANY single purchase in our online inventory, simply, as a token of my appreciation. This special discount is automatically applied when you’re logged in–nothing else for you to do but sign in and start shopping!

There are 2 3 SPOTS open for subscriptions & boxes ship out June 1st! Get yours here!

Each quarter, I try to order enough to make single collections available for purchase but subscriptions have been going quickly! (If you end up missing out on this month’s box, I would suggest you make sure to get on the Stationery Box VIP list to be FIRST to know when new spots open up & to receive first dibs, sneak peeks & subscriber-only coupons).

The June Collection is all about getting organized with stylish yet functional items. It includes a vegan case, project planner & file folder ‘notebook’.

It’s a $112 value for $40!!! Continue reading to see details …

June 2018 Stationery Box Reveal

Poketo Double Up Case (value $36)

I’m using this vegan leather case to keep my lip balms and/or lippies organized so I don’t have to dig through my bag to find them. Yes, I’m that girl who carries a variety of lip balm & lippies with her. You just never know what flavor, color or mood you’ll be in, am I right? The case has 2 compartments so there’s plenty of room for holding & organizing your pens, pencils, travel-sized lotions or sample goodies together.

Credit:// Images from Poketo

Poketo Project Planner (value $38)

This 11.9″ x 8.4″ project planner is 160 pages & consists of open-dated yearly, monthly, weekly, project & notes sections. I’ll be using mine to keep track of my different PbP projects (like an exclusive subscriber rewards program + buyer’s club coming in early summer to celebrate PbP’s 3rd anniversary!) & to keep all my notes & details in one spot. I’m seriously in planner paradise.

colors vary

Credit:// Images from Poketo

Poketo Pro File Folder (value $38)

I adore file folders – these are my favorite by the way for their crisp, white sleekness. BUT my heart skipped a beat when I saw Poketo’s Pro File Folder. How genius is this? It’s comprised of eight individual folders bound together so you can take it on the go without worrying about bending or creasing important documents. I’ll be using mine to store all the paper things. You could use yours to hand off beautifully organized receipts or documents to your accountant come tax time. Or to keep love letters, magazine clippings, bills or other documents together.

(colors vary)

Credit:// Images from Poketo

What is your favorite product from the June Stationery Box? Let me know in the comments below. And grab one of the 3 available spots here!

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May 11, 2018 Leave a Comment

The May 2018 Curated Collection Reveal

The May Curated Collection is here! You can get yours here – we offer regular + mini subscriptions & gift subscriptions too. YOU spoke & we listened! I’m happy to announce that there are 6 open spots available as I’ve received numerous emails asking for more availability. So grab your spot NOW!

Before we get to the reveal, for those of you who don’t know, I love to spoil the PbP Posse. Below are just a few of the ways I’m able to show my gratitude & appreciation for being part of the PbP Posse.

Here are some of the perks of being a subscriber:

Special membership discount – an automatic $5 discount for any purchase of Single Collections & single purchase Stationery Boxes.
COMING early summer (just in time for our 3 year anniversary!) – Fierce Loyalty Posse rewards program
Special loyalty purchase club (COMING early summer)
Rewards program (COMING early summer)

Also, one of the things I am most proud of & that sets us apart from other subscription services is that I include letter pressed or foiled (or unique in some way) cards … because we are all about quality & craftsmanship. You won’t find many big box stores that carry letterpress or foiled cards or cards that use 90-110 lb quality paper or that are designed & handcrafted by indie designers. I take great pride in curating the bi-monthly collections (and quarterly stationery boxes) & I hope our products are a reflection of that.

The May Curated Collection is here! Check out the full reveal & get yours now!

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The May 2018 Curated Collection

This collection includes one new to PbP designer & consists of encouragement, thank you, congrats & support cards.

Grey Moggie

This hand lettered, letter pressed card from Grey Moggie can be sent as an encouragement or congrats card. We’d send as a congrats to a bestie who got a promotion or completed a major project, to a mama who takes care of her family like no one’s business & could use some recognition, or to anyone who needs encouragement. Check out past Grey Moggie cards in our Life Events & Birthday Collection, our Sept 2015 Collection & in our Stationery Boxes.

Nicole Marie Paperie

We’re big on thank you cards (here’s how to craft the perfect thank you note) & we can’t get enough of this adorbs French Bulldog TY card from Nicole Marie Paperie. We’d send to a dog-lovin’ person but really, this card is for anyone. I mean, who wouldn’t find this cute?

REMEMBER, you don’t need a reason to send a thank you card. Of course, you should absolutely send your appreciation for a gift, advice, help, etc., you’ve received (that’s just good manners) but you can also thank someone for being the friend who says you’re always right even when you’re not, a hardworking co-worker who’s the first one in the office & the last one to leave & never complains, or a spouse/partner for keeping you alive by cooking all your dinners while you’re hard at work running your paper empire (ahem).

All of Nicole’s cards are printed on eco-friendly paper and made in the USA. (Check out the Yas Queen card which was included in our July 2017 Curated Collection)

Parrott Design Studio

This fun congratulations/celebration card from Parrott Design Studio is printed in holographic gold foil that appears to change color when tilted in the light! We’d give this to a high school or college grad, to our friend who just got engaged, to the couple who got pregnant, or the first time home-buyer.

BONUS FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY! For our lovely subscribers, we’ve included this fun Keep in Touch pen! (Parrott Design Studio was featured in our November 2017 & February 2016 Curated Collections, along with the Love (SOLD OUT) & Life Events themed collections)

Printerette Press (NEW)

When the going gets tough, you’ll be glad to have this letterpress card from Printerette Press on hand. We’d send this card to anyone who’s going through a difficult time & could use some support & cheering up.

The May Curated Collection ships on the 25th so subscribe here or send as a gift! Make sure to lock in your spot now as our 3 year anniversary special curated collection will be coming up in July. It always includes extra cards & gifts in celebration.

Danielle

P.S. For all you paper lovers, mark your planners for next week’s June Stationery Box reveal! One product alone is $38 value & the box itself is $40 per quarter. Take a look at past boxes so you can see the amazingness & sign up now as they always SELL OUT.

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May 4, 2018 1 Comment

The Best Father’s Day Cards 2018 Roundup

Father’s Day is coming up on June 17th & there’s no time like the present to get your card(s). So we’ve rounded up some of the best Father’s Day cards below. (And if you’re still in need of a Mother’s Day card, check out this year’s roundup).

Here’s our top 10 pick of the best cards for your biological dad, step-dad, the father of your children or other “father figure”, so you can show your love, appreciation and gratitude.

Also, here’s last year’s roundup & an explanation for why I don’t include Father’s Day cards in my curated collections.

Looking for a Father’s Day Card? PbP has you covered with the Best Father’s Day Cards.

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Best Father’s Day Cards 2018 Roundup

1. For the tough, manly, Dad on the outside (but really, he’s a softie inside) from One Canoe Two.

2. For the Dad who gives out the best advice & guidance & then steps back & lets you live your life, from Our Heiday.

3. For the grandad/grandfather, the OG Dad from Mr. Boddington’s Studio.

4. For the patient Dad who taught you all the things you need to succeed in life from Fresh Out of Ink.

5. For the best Step Dad from Bench Pressed.

6. For the Dad with the funniest (ahem) jokes from Lovebird Paper.

7. For the Dads in your life because two is definitely better than one from Good Juju Ink.

8. For the Dad who nailed it from Lionheart Prints.

9. For the Dad who’s on speed dial from Boss Dotty Paper Co.

10. For the best Dad hands-down from The Penny Paper Co.

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April 30, 2018 2 Comments

Day 29 of the 2018 #sendcardsspreadlove Challenge

Welcome to Day 29 & the final day of the #sendcardsspreadlove challenge for for National Card & Letter Writing Month! Today, we have our last guest post from Ashley Reale with tips on spreading kindness AND our second HUGE GIVEAWAY from Breathless Paper Co.!

I’m already thinking of ways to make next year’s challenge even better & I can only do this with your feedback on what you’d like for tips & resources (let me know your burning questions regarding sending cards and letter writing) as well as recommendations for future guest bloggers & topics. Please take this quick survey and help me improve next year’s challenge! I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! (Psst…in gratitude for your help, there’s a coupon code for filling it out.)

I want to start off with saying that I’ve been so inspired by each & every one of you & I’m in awe of your creativity, your thoughtfulness & your dedication to sending cards & spreading love. You rocked these challenges!

You don’t know how happy it makes me to see all of your cards being sent out into the world. This challenge wouldn’t be a success without your participation & support. Thank you also to the incredible guest bloggers who provided such awesome content. Lastly, all winners will be announced May 4th via newsletter & in the Facebook Group, so make sure you’re connected in one of those ways.

How To Participate In The Challenge<h1>

For those of you just joining us: welcome to the party & it’s not too late to participate! There’s still 1 more opportunity to send cards & win prizes! Check out this post for the details on the week 4 challenge AND this post for the first BIG GIVEAWAY from Mr. Boddington’s Studio for $100 to their shop!

Day 29 Of The 2018 #sendcardsspreadlove Challenge

Week 4 Challenge: Love + Kindness

The challenge this week is to spread love and kindness. DETAILS here. (Ends tonight 4/30 at midnight EST)

The prize is a collection of love cards (plus a 48 page downloadable pdf The Together Journal!) In order to be eligible to win:

share your card and/or note with the week 4 challenge
tag me on IG @prettybypost or in the FB group along with the #sendcardsspreadlove hashtag by April 30th at midnight EST.

SECOND BIG GIVEAWAY

It’s our second BIG giveaway! Today, in the spirit of kindness, Breathless Paper Co., is generously offering challenge participants a $200 shop credit!!!

Breathless Paper Co. is the passion project and creative endeavor of partners in crime, Jessica and Matthew Berinato. The husband and wife team pours every ounce of wit, laughter and heart they have into creating the perfect design for their paper goods, from greeting cards to coasters. At the core, Breathless Paper is about facilitating an environment centered around sharing love and kindness — something the world always needs more of.

To be eligible to win you MUST follow the instructions above for the week 4 challenge AND for a second entry, please leave a comment below OR on any other of the challenge posts (recap below) telling us which weekly challenge was your favorite & why (scroll down for a recap of all the posts). (To be absolutely clear: you must participate in one of the challenges. If you only leave a blog comment but have NOT participated then your entry will not count).

A winner will be picked randomly from ALL challenge participants. Which means if you’ve already participated in any of the weekly challenges then you’ve been entered. If you haven’t yet participated you still have 1 more opportunity by participating in the week 4 challenge (by April 30th at midnight EST) AND for a second entry, please leave a comment below telling us which weekly challenge was your favorite & why.

Here’s just a sample of their gorgeous cards that you’ll be able to choose from. Good Luck!

Also, make sure to check out all the fabulous guest posts and resources from the past four weeks on the blog (recap below). There’s a lot of really good tips, ideas and inspiration for sending cards/letters.

Lastly, join us in the Facebook Group to meet fellow card/letter writing enthusiasts & participate in monthly challenges with prizes, along with special giveaways, coupons, etc.)

And now for today’s guest post.

I adore Ashley Reale’s commitment & passion for spreading love by leaving hidden notes of encouragement for strangers. And for the past two years, not only have we included a bonus challenge encouraging participants to do the same, but leaving notes for people to find has become a hobby of mine.

I’ve left cards with inspiring quotes & quick messages of encouragement at my local craft stores, in Target, at Barnes & Nobles tucked into books / hidden in between books / at the magazine rack, in waiting rooms at doctor’s offices, at the coffee shop, at a Panera’s, etc. The sky is really the limit. So, I’m excited for Ashley to share her easy tips to spread more kindness in today’s guest post.

5 Easy Ways to Share Kindness

What if we intentionally sought out the people society usually ignores and helped brighten their day with a little extra kindness? My name is Ashley, and I’m here to give you a few ideas on doing just that!

1. Start with yourself.

We’ve all heard it before, “Self care is not selfish,” but it is SO true. We cannot authentically care for others if we are not first caring for ourselves. It’s like they say on airplane safety instructions: put your oxygen mask on first before trying to help your neighbor. You’re a much more effective helper when you have the ability to breathe! Try this: Take a donut break. No really, go get yourself a donut and eat it guilt free. Give yourself extra time each day to do something you love or enjoy. Even something as simple as taking 10 minutes to step outside for some fresh air and a walk around the block (to buy yourself a donut) can vastly improve your mood and free you up to love others with intention.

2. Write an anonymous note of encouragement for a stranger.

This one is my favorite ways to spread love. I do this on a regular basis with my small business, Love Everywhere. What began as a personal passion to share kindness and encouragement with others has birthed an entire community of golden hearts that are intentional about sharing love through handwritten words of encouragement. Together we have distributed over 18,000 kind notes! Being kind in this way doesn’t take very much time, and requires very little money—all you really need is a piece of paper and a pen—and yet the impact it has carries infinite possibilities for the lucky person who discovers it. A message as simple as “you are loved” can lift someone’s spirits after a tough day, and let them know they are not alone.

The beauty of having our community behind us is that we can keep track of the cards that are being written and discovered. We’ve had cards in locations as distant as the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China, as well as in cities all over the United States.

3. Look for the good in someone and speak it out to them.

Fellow Nashvillian Ruthie Lindsey says it best, “If you see something beautiful in someone, speak it.” Complimenting someone’s eyes, hair, or outfit is the easiest way to vocalize kindness, but what if we took it a bit deeper and pointed out their stellar kind heart or how rad it was that they helped a friend out during a difficult time. Complimenting someone’s actions versus how they look speaks to who they are, and goes deeper than the typical “You look nice today” superficial compliment (even though we still need to hear those, too!!)

4. Give your parking spot to someone else or let someone ahead of you in line at the grocery store.

We’ve all been there: in a hurry trying to run errands and trying to find that prime parking spot or the shortest line to get us out the door. What would it look like to wait an extra three minutes at checkout to let that busy mom with three kids ahead of you in line? Or to walk a few extra feet so that elderly man can have the closer parking spot? These are simple ways to make a positive impact on your local community that really do make a difference.

5. Say thank you.

To your friends. To your family. To your local coffee shop barista. Your hairdresser. Your mailman. To the janitor at your local fitness center. Find people doing jobs that are usually ignored, and tell them thank you for the work that they do and the way it makes your life better. They will never forget it, and you will find that it feels so good to fill your gratitude tank up that you’ll start seeking out ways to be grateful in every last part of your day.

***

P.S. Scroll down for a recap/links of the entire challenge!

***I’d be so grateful if you found this post helpful to please share it using the buttons below!

Author Bio

Love Everywhere began with Founder and Chief Heart Officer, Ashley Reale, asking the question “What if one tiny act of kindness could change a life?” So, she began to share love with strangers through hidden notes of encouragement, leaving these notes hidden in plain sight everywhere she went. In 2014, she launched a website, and with the help of a team of ambassadors and an enthusiastic social media community, over 19,000 notes have now been distributed globally. Ashley lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram.

Here’s A Recap Of The 2018 #sendcardsspreadlove Challenge

Week 1:

BIG LIST of reasons to send cards [Day 1]
Resources on what to write [Day 3]
Guest post from Alexandra Franzen on the urgency of letting someone you know how much they mean to you [Day 5]

Week 2:

Guest post from Amanda Sue Howell on hand lettering envelopes [Day 8]
Guest post from Jill DeLuce on Letterpress Printing & Why It’s Special [Day 10]
Guest post from Naomi Hattaway sharing how empathy muscles are strengthened through letter writing [Day 12]

Week 3:

Guest post from Katelyn Woolley on what to say to someone who is going through a difficult time [Day 15]
Guest post from Nancy Gaines with snail mail sending inspiration & FREE graphics [Day 17]
Guest post from Sara McNally with a training regimen to help aspiring snail mail superstars sail over the obstacles of sending cards [Day 19]

Week 4:

Guest post from Brynn Fowler with a wax seals 101 tutorial [Day 22]
Guest post from Skylar Liberty Rose with a beautiful memories & milestones ritual [Day 24]
Guest post from Josh Solar inspiring us to spread love, kindness & hope. [Day 26]

This concludes the recap of the 2018 #sendcardsspreadlove challenge! And don’t forget to take this survey to help me make the 2019 challenge even bigger & better!

April 27, 2018 Leave a Comment

Day 26 of the 2018 #sendcardsspreadlove Challenge

Welcome to Day 26 of the #sendcardsspreadlove challenge for National Card & Letter Writing Month!

Today, Josh Solar implores us to not give up on love or on one another. AND we have the first of our two BIG GIVEAWAYS! Then on the Monday, the 30th, Ashley Reale gives us easy ways to spread kindness PLUS our final GIVEAWAY!

How To Participate In The Challenge

For those of you just joining us: welcome to the party & it’s not too late to participate! I’m asking you to send 4 cards out into the world this month, based on the 4 weekly prompts provided, plus a few bonus challenges. Which means there’s still 2 more opportunities to send cards & win prizes! Check out this post for the details on the week 4 challenge + BONUS challenge + recap of the entire challenge so far.

Day 26 Of The 2018 #sendcardsspreadlove Challenge

Week 4 Challenge: Love + Kindness

The challenge this week is to spread love and kindness. DETAILS here.

The prize is a collection of love cards (plus a 48 page downloadable pdf The Together Journal!) In order to be eligible to win:

share your card and/or note with the week 4 challenge
tag me on IG @prettybypost or in the FB group along with the #sendcardsspreadlove hashtag by April 30th at midnight EST.

BIG GIVEAWAY

It’s our first BIG giveaway! Today, in the spirit of kindness, Mr. Boddington’s Studio is generously offering challenge participants a $100 shop credit!!!

Mr. Boddington’s Studio is a boutique luxury stationer and design house located in New York City in a sunny little studio atop the pastry bakeries on 36th Street. (The collection includes the darling new children’s collection, Master Boddington, and the ever-unique Secret Society of Letter Writers.)

To be eligible to win you MUST follow the instructions above for the week 4 challenge and/or second BONUS challenge.

A winner will be picked randomly from ALL challenge participants on 5/1/18. Which means if you’ve already participated in any of the weekly challenges then you’ll be automatically entered. If you haven’t yet participated you still have 2 opportunities by participating in the week 4 challenge (by April 30th at midnight EST) AND the 2nd BONUS challenge by TONIGHT at midnight.

Here’s just a sample of their gorgeous cards that you’ll be able to choose from.

Good luck!

And now for today’s guest post.

I’m super excited for today’s guest, Josh Solar of Hello Happiness Card Co., because he’s been with PbP since the very beginning & this is his third year in the challenge too. Not only did he create the freebie e-card for my very first newsletter opt-in, but he also designed a custom card for PbP subscribers for my first curated collection (there’s a few of these collections left for purchase!). We also got to meet in person a couple years ago & Josh is the epitome of kindness & generosity, which is why I love having him as a guest blogger & I continue to work with him (his 48 page downloadable pdf The Together Journal is part of each weekly challenge prize).

And today, he’s inspiring us to spread love, kindness & hope. And to never give up on each other.

Not Giving Up On Each Other & Making Strangers Laugh

A month ago I met a young woman at a craft fair we were set up at. She came up to Jenny & I & told us that she bought some of our Mini Encouragement cards last year at the very same craft fair. Tears started to well up in her eyes, and mine, as she told us all about her battle with depression & anxiety & how those tiny cards offered her hope in some of her darkest times. In the words she found the strength to keep going. We hugged it out for a bit, right there in the middle of our tent.

I’ve been playing that scene over in my head for a while now. Because sometimes I don’t feel like making greeting cards. Sometimes little thoughts pop in my head saying what’s the point? But then I hear stories like that brave young woman’s. Or I see how someone has used one of our cards. Or I read a story of someone who found one of my letters that I leave for strangers & realize it’s SO MUCH MORE than the cards or the paper they’re printed on.

There’s some quote out there I read a lot saying something about kindness & how we’re all fighting our own battles. And it’s true. We all have our worries, our own anxieties. Life is a constant battle with darkness. And no two people’s darkness looks the same. So how do we find common ground? How do we create the light for all?

One thing I know for sure, though, is when I look at people’s hearts, instead of their faces or skin color or clothes or whatever else might be on the outside, it becomes perfectly clear. We all bleed red. We’re all sharing the same air. We all need food to survive & a safe place to lay our heads at night.

And, yet, I find myself acting selfish at times. I find myself judging. I find myself stereotyping. Why do I think I’m more important or better than another human, I ask myself. I find when I look at others for who they are, a living, breathing, alive human who’s doing the best they can fighting whatever battles they’re fighting…when I look at others that way, it’s simple.

Kindness. Kindness to all is what brings unity. There’s so much negativity & hate around me right now. And I can’t control what goes on around me. I can’t control if someone want to harm another. I can’t control if someone looks down on another. I can’t control much, really. But I can be kind. I can choose to see my fellow humans as brothers & sisters & offer them love. I can stand up for my fellow humans when I see them being put down.

Which brings me to this morning. I’ve got a good buddy. We’ll call him James (because that’s his name). James will go to war with you if you ask him. James will have your back if you need him too. James will sit in ice cold water with you because he doesn’t want you to feel like a weirdo out in the lake behind his house by yourself (thanks, James).

James will also challenge you when you’re not ready for it. In fact, yesterday, James shot me a text in the morning challenging me to make a stranger giggle, then he wanted me to share the story with him. Challenge accepted, James, challenge accepted. I worked all day from home and had to find a reason to get out of the house so I could find myself in a position to make a stranger giggle.

I offered to pick up Chipotle for Jenny & I. And I snagged my opportunity to make a complete stranger or 3 laugh. There was a long line, as usual at dinner time at Chipotle, and the initial tortilla warm woman was kind of stressed. Not to mention she was training someone new which probably added to the stress. All I know is when they asked what I’d like to eat, I asked them how their day was going. They said, OK, which is a totally normal response. I said, “I can tell you’re feeling a bit stressed, take a deep breath for me, then let’s do a little shimmy & loosen up.” They looked at me crazy. I said I was dead serious & that I wasn’t going to place an order until we all shimmied. So we shimmied, and we laughed, and we looked really really stupid inside the Chipotle. The people behind me looked at us kind of crazy, and so did the rest of the workers, but we were having a darn good time.

I told James the story. He let me know he made someone smile as he was ordering his coffee this evening. The kid looked so sad, he said. So he decided to only speak in gibberish sentences and questions. The kid was trying so hard not to laugh, but gave in because when a grown man speaks gibberish you kind of have to, right?

The point here is this. Life is too dang short to not laugh with complete strangers. And in James’ words, “We can all stop our self centered lives and make someone else feel some pleasure…life has never been about us.”

So, I’m asking you to join me as well. Try and make a complete stranger giggle today, and every day going forward for that matter. Never give up on the power of laughter to brighten someone else’s day. Never give up on love.

More importantly, don’t give up on each other.

***

***I’d be so grateful if you found this post helpful to please share it using the buttons below!

Author Bio

We believe our words are a powerful force of encouragement. We believe we can use our words to show up for those we love with compassion, empathy and understanding. We believe we exist to love and be loved. We believe with our words, we can make the world a more beautiful place.

Author Bio

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Poketo Double Up Case (value $36)

Poketo Project Planner (value $38)

Poketo Pro File Folder (value $38)

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Day 29 Of The 2018 #sendcardsspreadlove Challenge

Week 4 Challenge: Love + Kindness

SECOND BIG GIVEAWAY

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Author Bio

Here’s A Recap Of The 2018 #sendcardsspreadlove Challenge

Week 1:

Week 2:

Week 3:

Week 4:

Day 26 Of The 2018 #sendcardsspreadlove Challenge

Week 4 Challenge: Love + Kindness

BIG GIVEAWAY

Not Giving Up On Each Other & Making Strangers Laugh

Author Bio

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