August 16, 2018 Leave a Comment

New Planner, Who Dis?

Just a quick note before we get to Nancy’s guest post on planners, I wanted to let you know that there are ONLY 2 spots available to get the September Stationery Box, which includes a variety of gorgeous notepads + notebooks, making it a perfect back-to-school box for adults. Treat yo self! (You can watch an unboxing video on Instagram OR check out the details on the blog).

Enjoy the pretty planner eye candy below!

Hi, guys! There, I said it . . . I’m planner obsessed! Actually, I don’t worry about it anymore, because now I call them photography props! And a girl can never have enough photo props or planners. Amirite?

Of course I am!

I just love these three new planners I picked up at my fave thrift shop last week. Super cute and boy did they perk me up with their bold colors and positive words! They literally jumped into my shopping cart! 😏📚😍🛒

I have to admit, I do most of my day-to-day planning / the “to dos” on my smartphone. For my planners, I love to use them for brain dumps, financial stuff, long term goals, travel planning, list keeping and social media & blog stuff, etc.

Washi is my go to for cute-ing them up, along with stamping, colored pencils & pens. If I’ve got time, I’ll doodle a bit and add some positive and/or motivational quote cards.

I just love planners. ❤

A lot. 💕💕💕

Bunches, actually. 😍😍😍

Do you have favorite planners that you must use? I’m obsessed with planners more in an “I love and want them all” kind of way. Are you a big decorator or a minimalist when it comes to your planner or kind of in the middle like me? Share in the comments all your planner obsessions!

~Nancy ❤ xoxoxo

PS. Looking for some awesome planner accessories? Then you’ll definitely want to check out the September Stationery Box. It’s full of a variety of gorgeous notepads/notebooks & includes the perfect back-to-school for adults supplies. You can watch an unboxing video here or read the details on the blog. There’s only 2 spots available so grab yours here – they ship out on Sept 1!!!

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

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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.

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August 9, 2018 Leave a Comment

Pretty by Post Stationery Box – September 2018 Unboxing

The September 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 September Box includes 6 awesome notepads, a $62 value – Kind of a big deal when the cost of subscription is only $40, right? (You’re saving $22!)

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 September 1st! Get yours here! These will be made available for single purchase once subscriptions close & if there are any boxes left. BUT I wouldn’t wait…subscriptions normally fill up & any single purchases sell out 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).

September 2018 Stationery Box Reveal

Making lists is my jam. I use lists to keep track of my to dos, brainstorms + braindumps & content ideas. So, the September Stationery Box includes a variety of 6 notepads/notebooks for you to keep all your to dos, notes & ideas organized.

It’s a $62 value for $40!!! Continue reading to see what’s included…

Carina Paper Co. Like to Make Lists Notepad ($8 Value)

A Sir Mix-a-Lot pun? YES, PLEASE! This 4.25″x7″ notepad is printed on 70lb white paper. I’m using this to keep track of blog post + other content ideas.

Farewell Paperie Down to Biz Notebook ($14 Value)

I’m so sad as Farewell Paperie is no longer & they’ve closed down their shop. But I’m happy I was able to grab this 5×8 notebook which includes 50 unlined pages & a gold foil cover. I’m using it to brainstorm & braindump all those little things I don’t want to forget, & that are not a priority, but take up too much precious brain space if I don’t get them down on paper. And I love the blank pages in this notebook for the freedom they offer for doodling, sketching & writing that isn’t contained within lined pages.

Page Stationery Atticus Notebook Duo ($12 Value)

This gorgeous notebook duo From Love Her Wild, An Atticus Collection is currently SOLD OUT on the site! I adore these quotes printed in black & gold foil: “Walk towards the good in life and one day you will arrive.” | “What good are wings without the courage to fly.” These mini saddle stitched notebooks are perfect for all your on-the-go notes, brilliant ideas, & sketches. I’m a sucker for travel-friendly paper supplies that can be tucked in my planner or purse without taking up much space.

Smitten on Paper Notes Medium Notepad ($14 Value)

I love beautiful details on my paper supplies & this 4.75×7 notepad with gold foiling does not disappoint. I’m also loving the variety of lines, checklist & blank space that can be used to write ideas, to dos & reminders & notes to self.

Smitten on Paper Weekly Medium Notepad ($14 Value)

Same as the Daily Notes Notepad above, this notepad also has beautiful gold foil details for when you’re feeling fancy. You can keep track of your schedule/appointments, cards to send out, gift lists & to dos/chores.

What is your favorite product from the September Stationery Box? Let me know in the comments below. And grab one of the 2 3 available spots here!

Credits:// Carina Paper Co + 2 images from Smitten on Paper.

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August 2, 2018 Leave a Comment

2018 National Friendship Week Mini Challenge

August is commonly known for being the perfect summer month BUT did you know that it’s also full of friendship card giving holidays? Here are just some of the holidays:

National Girlfriends Day: August 1st
National Friendship Day: August 5th
National Friend Week: the third week of August (Aug 19-25th)
Be Kind to Humankind Week: the fourth week of August (Aug 26-31)

It’s a friendship & card sending celebration!

Which means August is the perfect time to use all those cards you may have hoarded (*ahem* I’m looking at you, the PbP Posse) or if you make them by hand, you better bust a move.

With all these dates in mind, I thought it would be fun to do a MINI August #sendcardsspreadlove challenge during the month. Let’s put smiles on our loved ones’ faces and celebrate friendships by sending 4 cards – that’s only one per week!

At the end of the challenge, one participant will receive their choice of a single curated collection (exempted: themed collections, stationery boxes and the special/limited edition collections). You in? All you have to do to enter to win is tag me on social media @prettybypost & add the #sendcardsspreadlove and/or #fierceloyalthy hashtags or participate in our Facebook Group & a random winner will be chosen on September 1.

We’re celebrating friendships with a MINI August #sendcardsspreadlove challenge! Join us here to…

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Here’s some tips on getting organized & resources on what to write

To make it easy to send out cards, I have a simple letter writing kit, because I need my focus to be on writing and not scrambling at the last minute to find cards, stamps, a pen and other essentials.

Set up your letter writing kit:

1. Stock up on cards

One of the best things (ok, the best thing) of owning Pretty by Post® is having access to a fabulous selection of cards. If you need cards, here are some options:

Schedule time to run to your fave, local paper store to pick some up (Paper Source is my go to)
Order cards online from Etsy or indie-designed businesses (we have 3 perfect LIMITED EDITION curated collections ready for you: Girl Boss Box Notes, Like A Boss collection & Who We Are Collection – 10% of proceeds from all 3 of these sets will be donated to Writes for Women, an organization focused on economic and social justice for women. OR you can check out any of our past single curated collections.)
Put those crafty skills to use & hand make some cards – we have great DIY tutorials here, here, here & here.

2. Buy postage stamps. You can stop by your local post office or order them online. My faves are these love flourishes, these love skywriting or these fun scratch-and-sniff ice cream stamps.

3. Grab some pens. No letter writing kit would be complete without your favorite pens or other writing tools. A few of my ride or die pens include: Staedtler Triplus Fineliner and Sugar Paper’s Signature Pen.

4. Make sure you have addresses. If you’re a paper lover then you’ll want a physical address book and if you’re a digital person, then make sure your contacts are all up-to-date.

5. BONUS items. If you’re crafty or creative, then you could also add washi tape, wax seals (check out our tutorial here) hand lettering tools (we have an awesome hand lettering tutorial here), rubber stamps, stickers, etc.

Resources You May Find Helpful:

Need accountability? Join our #sendcardsspreadlove FB group, where we hold monthly challenges with prizes.

Here’s to sending cards & spreading love!

xo,

Danielle

PS. I would love to see your cards and/or letter writing kits. Tag me @prettybypost so I can cheer you on!

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July 26, 2018 Leave a Comment

2 New Limited Edition Collections for Girl Bosses & Boss Babes

I wholeheartedly believe in women supporting & empowering one another.

I am fortunate to have some amazing women in my life. My bestie since sixth grade, who knows me better than anyone (besides my husband) & still loves me. A very close friend since sixth grade who I don’t talk to much but who I can always count on. A friend from high school who is one of PbP’s biggest supporters! A friend I met in my former career who makes me laugh until I cry. A woman I met 3 years ago online & then IRL, who is one of the kindest & most generous friends & who I feel like I’ve known a lifetime. These are just a few of the women I am honored to have in my life & I know that you have a list of your ride-or-die friends too.

And then there are the women who I call my biz besties. The ones who run their own businesses & who understand the challenges + the ups & downs of being an entrepreneur. Who respond to my frantic texts/emails asking for advice, venting about a rough day or wondering how to use the latest tech. Who like my social media because they know that likes help beat the algorithms & most importantly the women who encourage, support & empower me.

These are all the women I had in mind when I created these 2 new LIMITED EDITIONS for Girl Bosses & Boss Babes.

Because I know how much you value your women friendships too, I want to provide an easy way to express your love & support. These collections are NOT just for business owners, they are for ANY women who you love & cherish #fiercloyalty style.

The first Limited Edition is the Girl Boss Box Notes set. Cheer on your fellow Girl Bosses with these 8 pop-up cards (2 each of 4 designs) from UWP Luxe. 10% of proceeds will be donated to Writes for Women, an organization focused on economic and social justice for women.

The second Limited Edition is the Like a Boss collection of 6 cards to encourage, support & let your fellow boss babes know how awesome they are! 10% of proceeds will be donated to Writes for Women, an organization focused on economic and social justice for women.

I hope you love these 2 new collections as much as I do. Tag me on social media @prettybypost for Facebook & Instagram & share your cards with me! AND if you order today, you’ll get your cards in time for our National Friendship mini challenge that starts Aug 3rd!

PS. There are 2 sets of the special 3 year anniversary curated collections available for single purchase here (no subscription).

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

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July 20, 2018 11 Comments

Celebrating Our 3 Year Anniversary + GIVEAWAY

Today is our 3 year anniversary!!! Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for being a part of the PbP community. It makes me soooo happy that we all believe in the power of handwritten correspondence & that we share the same values of #fierceloyalty, connecting on a more meaningful & deeper level with our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc, and in bringing back the joy & beauty of real communication.

As a token of my appreciation & to continue the month long celebration, please keep reading for some fun goodies & an anniversary GIVEAWAY below!

Celebrating Our 3 Year Anniversary!

I am very proud of how far we’ve come & grown since starting three years ago with one monthly subscription and one gift option. Now, we have:

Bi-monthly regular & mini subscriptions
Bi-monthly regular & mini gift subscriptions
A quarterly Stationery Box
Single collections
Exclusive/Limited editions (10% of proceeds will be donated to Writes for Women, an organization focused on economic and social justice for women)
Themed collections
A private Facebook Group with monthly card sending challenges + prizes
A bunch of new subscriber-only benefits like a #fierceloyalty rewards program, add-on card feature & special discounts/coupons.

I definitely wouldn’t be here today without all of you – the absolutely supportive, encouraging, loving & awesome PbP community.

My utmost gratitude goes out to my Curated Collection & Stationery Box subscribers who do me the honor of supporting our shared passion for cards & stationery, to my newsletter subs who allow me into their inboxes almost weekly, to the FB group peeps who #sendcardsspreadlove, to all my social media followers, to anyone who reads this blog, stops by the site, makes a purchase, shares PbP with friends, family, & who emails me with suggestions, questions or comments. I appreciate each & every one of you thank you for coming along with me on this journey!

And, even though I’m mostly a one-woman shop, no woman is an island & I am only able to do what I do with support from two very hardworking & talented behind-the-scenes women. I want to thank my amazing tech & website guru Sara Chandlee (who has been with me since before we even launched) & her awesome team & the very creative & super talented photo stylist Nancy Gaines, who helps me with some of the PbP images, writes awesome monthly guest posts & provides encouragement & support #fierceloyalty style – make sure to check out her latest guest post about our friendship here.

To show my gratitude for each of you here are your anniversary goodies:

Use the code “PARTYHARDY” for FREE SHIPPING (for the entirety of a subscription or any other purchase – expires at midnight on 7/23)
$15 CARD & $22 Stationery Grab Bags (that’s 50% off): hand-picked selection from past curated collections & stationery boxes. Grab yours + details here. FOR A LIMITED TIME – ends 7/29!
3 month subscription GIVEAWAY (details at the end of the post)

And don’t forget to grab your special 3 year anniversary curated collection with 3 subscriber-only gifts when you sign up for a regular or mini subscription or gift subscription NOW & check out the full reveal here. There’s only 2 3 spots available! (If you’re commitment shy once subscriptions close on the 24th IF THERE ARE ANY sets left, they’ll be available for single purchase – no subscription)

It’s time to celebrate with our 3 year anniversary giveaway!

We’re giving away a 3-month subscription!!! Make sure to read the directions to be eligible to win below.

This giveaway is open to the US and Canada residents ONLY. To be entered, leave a comment below sharing a couple of your summer bucket list items & then confirming in Rafflecopter that you did. (mandatory but with a splash of pretty please for good measure). For more chances to win, you can complete more entries. And if you’re a current subscriber and win, don’t fret, you can either choose to gift your prize to another lucky individual (talk about major friendship points) or we can add it to your current subscription.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway runs from July 20th, 2018 – July 26th, 2018 (ends at midnight EST). The winner will be notified via email on July 27th, 2018 and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. After 48 hours, if there is no response, another winner will be chosen.

PS. Grab your special 3 year anniversary curated collection with 3 subscriber-only gifts when you sign up for a regular, mini subscription or gift subscription NOW & check out the full reveal here. There’s ONLY 2 3 spots available!

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

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July 13, 2018 2 Comments

Celebrating Friendships #fierceloyalty Style

July is a BIG month for us here at PbP. The celebration began with my 42nd birthday on July 1st. And the celebrations will continue because on the 20th, it’s our 3 year anniversary AND my 16 year wedding anniversary. So, yeah, July is a pretty. big. deal.

Which means we’re celebrating all month long! We kicked off the festivities with the reveal of our special 3 year anniversary curated collection! Check out the full reveal here & grab your spot NOW as spots are going fast! PLUS, when you sign up for a regular, mini or gift subscription you’ll receive 3 subscriber-only gifts as our 3 year celebration gift to you! (Once subscriptions close on the 24th IF THERE ARE ANY sets left, they’ll be available for single purchase – no subscription to purchase)

Today’s guest post from Nancy honors our 3 year friendship #fierceloyalty style. I feel so honored & full of gratitude for Nancy’s friendship & support (first & foremost because friendship is the foundation for ALL lasting & successful relationships), for her being a part of the PbP team & a fellow biz owner. Read below for how we met each other & launched our businesses with a 3 day virtual party & how we continue to support, help & cheer one another on.

Danielle and I have known each other for about three years now. We met through a mutual friend who thought we had a lot in common. She was right. We totally clicked!

We were all entrepreneurs getting ready to launch our businesses online, so we decided to make it a big 🎈Party Palooza🎈and all launch together! It was a great way to get to know each other, as we combined our individual styles and strengths.

And I think we virtually partied for 3 days straight! 🎉 It was a lot of fun! But mostly, I realized that an an online friendship can absolutely be true and real . . . even if you’ve never met “IRL”, which is text speak for “in real life”. 😉

I really hope that someday Danielle and I will meet in real life! 😎 We could sit on my patio and talk about how hard it is being your own boss. And how freaking awesome being your own boss is! It goes back and forth like that for me, All. The. Time. For other entrepreneurs/biz owners, how about you?

My friendship with Danielle and our #fierceloyalty bond keeps me inspired. Three years she has been running Pretty by Post now and I am so proud to have been there from the start, well the launch anyway!

Congratulations, Danielle! It’s a pretty big milestone, girlfriend . . . HUGE! I hope you keep at it and keep growing, ’cause you got heart and as my Grandma would say, “You’ve got moxie” and I’m so proud of you! If you ever do something else down the line, count me in too . . . as a true friend. ❤

Wishing you a very happy 3rd anniversary!

Big love to you, my friend and a giant fierce loyalty hug! 🤗

xoxoxo

Nancy 💕

PS. There are ONLY 4 spots available for our SPECIAL 3 year anniversary curated collection! Grab your 3 gifts for subscribers only when you sign up for a regular, mini subscription or gift subscription NOW & check out the full reveal here. (If you’re commitment shy once subscriptions close on the 24th IF THERE ARE ANY sets left, they’ll be available for single purchase – no subscription)

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July 6, 2018 2 Comments

The July 2018 Curated Collection Reveal

The special 3 Year Anniversary Curated Collection is here! I’m super excited because there are some unique & fun cards included, along with 3 subscriber-only gifts. Check out the full reveal below & get yours here – we offer regular + mini subscriptions & gift subscriptions too. 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:

New add-on card feature with FREE shipping – the chance to add a card(s) to ship with your collection.
Special membership discount – an automatic $5 discount for any purchase of Single Collections & single purchase Stationery Boxes.
Fierce Loyalty Posse rewards program – COMING July 13th
Bi-monthly subscriber-only giveaways – COMING July 20th
First dibs on special / limited editions – the first 2 arriving July 27th

Also, two things I am most proud of & that sets us apart from other subscription services is that we support a variety of indie designers AND we 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.

We’re celebrating our 3 year anniversary with a special July Curated Collection! Check out the…

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The July 2018 Curated Collection

This collection includes 3 new to PbP designers & consists of thinking of you, encouragement, birthday & support cards. Plus, one of the designers won a prestigious LOUIE award which is stationery speak for an award for the best cards in the industry & another designer’s line won best new product at the National Stationery Show in May.

Carina Paper Co (New to PbP)

This letterpressed thinking of you card from Carina Paper Co. is a wonderful way to let someone know they’re in your thoughts & heart. We’d send this card to anyone we haven’t talked to in a while, or to someone who might need a little pick me up.

Page Stationery (New to PbP)

We don’t know about you, but we’ve got all the heart eyes for the Instagram sensation Atticus. So imagine our squeals of delight when we discovered Page Stationery’s Love Her Wild collaboration with Atticus. We adore this encouragement card with a quote from Atticus. We’d send to our bestie who needs to know we have her back & believe in her 110%. We also think this card doesn’t need any specific occasion to be sent. It would make anyone’s day.

Paper Bandit Press

This letterpress birthday card from Paper Bandit Press is from their NEW hidden images card line & won best new product at the National Stationery Show. We can’t get enough of the decoder used to reveal the hidden message that says: It’s Your Birthday with 3 celebrating sloths! What a unique, fun & interactive birthday card. Paper Bandit Press was also featured in our September 2015 Curated Collection.

UWP Luxe (New to PbP)

This encouragement laser cut, pop-up card from UWP Luxe uses a reflective technique to make the inner pop-up glow! The card also includes copper foil & neon yellow ink. We’d send this to our biz bestie, smart AF co-worker, or anyone who is brilliant & should be told.

3 BONUSES FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY! For our lovely subscribers, we’ve included 3 special gifts in celebration of our 3 year anniversary! A fun snail mail junkie pencil + 1 rubber stamp from Wit & Whistle & stamp enamel pin from Rifle Paper Co.

The July Curated Collection ships on the 25th so subscribe here or send as a gift! AND let me know in the comments below which card or cards are your fave.

Danielle

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

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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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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.

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