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HELLO AND WELCOME

HELLO AND WELCOME

letters preserve memories, emotions, and connections across time 

Are you someone who finds joy in the simple act of putting pen to paper? Do you appreciate the beauty of a well-designed greeting card or note card? If so, you're in the right place. Welcome to our blog about stationery, where we celebrate the art of handwritten communication and the joy it brings.

In our blog, we aim to inspire and educate fellow stationery enthusiasts. We'll share tips on how to choose the perfect card for any occasion, whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or just a simple thank you. We'll also explore different writing techniques and provide guidance on how to write heartfelt messages that truly touch the recipient's heart.

But our blog is not just about the products we sell. We want to create a community of stationery lovers who can come together to share their passion and experiences. 

So whether you're a seasoned stationery aficionado or just starting to explore the world of handwritten communication, we invite you to join us on this journey. Let's celebrate the joy of stationery together and spread love, one card at a time.

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November 24, 2024

5 TIPS TO HELP AVOID STRESS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Even if you love the holidays, the accompanying stress can take its toll if not managed properly. Here are some top tips to reduce stress this holiday season.  

1. Plan Ahead

The more you plan ahead, the less stressful and hectic your holiday season will be. Early planning can also help you save money, especially on travel expenses. If gift shopping feels overwhelming each year, consider starting early or exploring alternative options like giving experiences or quality time with loved ones. Remember, the most meaningful gifts aren’t always material.

 2.  Schedule Alone Time

The holiday season is often packed with social gatherings, which can be a source of joy for some but overwhelming for others. Amid the busyness, it’s easy to lose opportunities for solitude—a vital practice for reducing stress, boosting creativity, and improving overall well-being.
If you’re hosting or staying with family and friends this season, carve out moments just for yourself. A daily solo walk or a quiet reading session can provide the reset you need to stay balanced and refreshed. Prioritizing "me time" is essential for making the holidays enjoyable and sustainable.

3.  Don’t Say Yes to Everything

When the holiday party invites start rolling in, it’s easy to feel pressured to RSVP “yes” to every single one. But overcommitting can leave you exhausted and even resentful. Instead, take a moment to assess your energy levels and capacity.
Say “no” to a few events if needed, and focus on the ones that truly matter to you. If you’re juggling multiple commitments, look for ways to lighten your load. For instance, can someone else contribute dishes to the holiday dinner you’re hosting? Could a friend or family member help with wrapping presents?
Prioritizing your well-being ensures you can fully enjoy the celebrations that mean the most to you.

4.  Eat Well

Holiday treats and family feasts are a joyful part of the season, but it’s easy to overlook the importance of nourishing your body with wholesome foods. A balanced diet rich in whole foods can boost your mood and reduce stress, helping you feel your best during the festivities.
Indulging in your favorite holiday dishes is perfectly fine, but aim to balance it out by incorporating nutrient-rich meals and staying hydrated. A little mindfulness about what you eat ensures you can fully enjoy the season while maintaining your well-being.

5.  Make Financial Boundaries

The holidays often bring financial stress, but setting a realistic budget—and sticking to it—can help ease the pressure. If you’re worried about giving less expensive gifts compared to others, try suggesting alternative approaches to gift-giving. For instance, agree on a spending limit with friends, such as $25 per gift, to keep things simple and affordable.
In large families, consider proposing a gift exchange where everyone draws one name. This way, each person receives a thoughtful gift, and no one feels overwhelmed by the cost of buying for everyone.
Remember, the holiday season is meant to be joyful. Prioritize your own well-being and take care of your needs. You might just create a new tradition that makes the season brighter for everyone.            

Hope this helps this season.  Please share tips of your own in the comments below.

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November 12, 2024

        FESTIVE COCKTAILS FOR THANKSGIVING

Elevate your fall gatherings with unique cocktails!  Discover our curated collection of seasonal favorites from around the web!  From spiced classics to fresh twists these cocktails are sure to impress and warm up any celebration.  Cheers to unforgettable autumn sips!

Get the recipes for these and more at

https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/thanksgiving/g3011/thanksgiving-cocktails/

Comment below if you try one of these and let me know how good it was or it wasn't.

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November 1, 2024

THANKSGIVING HOSTESSING TIPS

Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of cooking Thanksgiving dinner for a crowd? Take a deep breath! The key to making the process easier is all about planning ahead. By organizing tasks and setting a clear timeline, you'll find everything falls into place much more smoothly.

Use these helpful tips from Stacy Ling to stay on track and feel confident as you prepare. From grocery shopping to meal prep, the planner will guide you every step of the way, ensuring you're organized and ready for a stress-free holiday. Hosting Thanksgiving has never been simpler!

https://stacyling.com/9-simple-tips-to-hosting-the-best-thanksgiving-dinner-ever/

Feel free to add you own host/hostess tips in the comments below.

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October 23, 2024

EASY FALL RECIPE TO MAKE WITH KIDS
I'm not much on baking, but I came across this easy recipe while I was looking for a fun cooking project with my granddaughters.  It's from onelittleproject.com
and it looks very good!
EASY PUMPKIN PIE TWISTS

This is such a great fall dessert idea and a delicious treat for Thanksgiving or Halloween!

Prep Time 10 minutes 

Cook Time 10 minutes 

Total Time 20 minutes 

Ingredients

  • refrigerated crescent roll dough 1 tube
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
  • 2 Tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • whipped cream for dipping optional

 Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, maple syrup and pumpkin spice.

Unroll crescent dough on a cutting board. Cut the dough in half so you have two identical rectangles and lay them beside each other.

Evenly spread the pumpkin mixture over one of the rectangles of dough.

Place the second rectangle of dough on top of the first rectangle of dough (so the pumpkin mixture is sandwiched between them). Make sure you line up all the edges.

Use a pizza cutter to cut the dough into strips approximately 3/4 inch wide.

Transfer the strips to the parchment lined baking sheet.

Twist each strip by picking up one end and twisting it twice, then picking up the other end and twisting it another 2 or 3 times.

Brush melted butter generously over each twist.

Mix together the sugar and cinnamon then sprinkle evenly over each twist.

Bake at 375F for 8-11 minutes until golden brown.

Did you give this a try?  Let me know in the comments below.

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October 10, 2024

CREATE BEAUTIFUL AUTUMN GARDENS

 As summer fades and cooler days arrive, fall is the perfect time to refresh your garden with hardy plants that thrive in autumn’s crisp air. While summer blooms may wane, fall offers a variety of beautiful plants that bring vibrant color and texture to your outdoor space. From cheerful chrysanthemums to resilient sedum, these garden favorites will keep your landscape looking lively all season long. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these easy-to-care-for fall plants will help create a stunning autumn display, even as the temperatures drop. 

Here are 10 suggested plants to make a droopy garden come alive!

Japanese Anemone

With their delicate pink and white petals, these flowers bloom in the fall with beautiful branching stems! They flourish in light to partial shade and prefer soil rich in organic matter.

Marigold

Marigolds have been a fall favorite for a long time. You may even remember them from your grandmother's garden! That's because these hardy annuals bloom well into fall and can even survive a light frost. They aren't bothered by pests or critters either. You're sure to enjoy their reliable, steady hues in a perfect fall color palette. Just note: They come in a range of sizes from 6 to 18 inches tall, so read the label to be sure about what you’re getting.

Sunflowers

It's impossible not to love sunflowers! They're one of the all-time favorite flowers for a reason as they provide cheery, larger-than-life charm in gardens all over the country. Though they peak in the summertime, they'll continue standing tall through the early autumn months. 

Nemesia

Despite its name meaning "nemesis," Nemesia is anything but negative! This charming, sweet-scented flower thrives in cooler temperatures and well-drained soil, making it a wonderful choice for borders, hanging baskets, and flower beds.

Helenium

Often referred to as "sneezeweed," this warm-toned flower is perfect for cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, and everything in between! Thriving in full sun and blooming from late summer through fall, it loves moisture and attracts butterflies.

Chrysanthemum

Well, if it isn't the star of autumn gardens! This iconic flower comes in every shade of the rainbow. Plus, they're hardy and cold-tolerant, so they'll come back next year if you get them in the ground early enough in the planting season. But fall-planted mums generally are considered annuals because their roots don't have time to establish before winter. 

Aster

Here's another must-have for your autumn garden. Plant them in the summer and they'll bloom later in the season (around the same time as mums) when your other florals begin to fade. You'll get the prettiest blue, lavender, pink or purple shades for years to come. That's right! They're easy to grow and live a long time with little fuss from you, making them the perfect perennial for late-season color.

Ornamental Cabbage and Kale

Who says cabbage and kale can’t be pretty? These annuals have frilly edges and swirls of green and pink leaves in the center rosettes. They're as tough as nails and are gorgeous in the garden when mixed with other cool weather lovers, like pansies.

Sedum

When many other plants have faded, sedum offers lovely muted shades that contrast well with the vibrant colors of autumn. The cut blooms last for weeks in a vase.

Caryopteris

This small shrub forms a neat mound that blooms in brilliant blue shades when everything else is winding down. Pollinators love caryopteris!

All photos and information were obtained from https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/home-lifestyle/gardening/g32335146/fall-flowers/

Comment below if you would like to see move posts about gardening!

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 October 2, 2024

WHY FALL IS THE BEST SEASON

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there's something undeniably magical about the arrival of fall. It’s a season that brings a welcome change after the heat of summer, filled with cozy moments, vibrant landscapes, and festive celebrations. From the smell of pumpkin spice to the crackle of leaves underfoot, autumn wraps us in a sense of warmth and comfort like no other time of year. Whether it’s indulging in hearty comfort foods, embracing sweater weather, or enjoying outdoor adventures surrounded by stunning fall foliage, there are countless reasons why fall is hands down the best season of all. Let’s explore why we can't help but fall in love with autumn every year!

 Cozy Weather: The crisp, cool air of fall is perfect for cozy sweaters, warm blankets, and hot drinks, making it the ideal season for snuggling up and enjoying the outdoors without extreme heat or cold.

Vibrant Scenery: Autumn’s brilliant display of colorful leaves creates breathtaking landscapes, offering endless opportunities for scenic drives, walks, and outdoor adventures surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Comfort Food: Fall brings the return of hearty comfort foods—like soups, stews, and pumpkin-flavored everything. It’s the season of indulgence with rich, warming dishes that perfectly complement the chilly weather.

Festive Vibes: With Halloween and Thanksgiving just around the corner, fall is filled with excitement. From carving pumpkins to hosting festive dinners, there’s no shortage of fun traditions to enjoy with family and friends.

Sweater Weather Fashion: Fall offers the best of fashion, with cozy layers, chunky knits, and stylish boots making a comeback. It’s the perfect time to embrace comfy yet chic outfits ideal for any fall occasion.

Do you agree or disagree?

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September 27, 2024

 SLOW COOKER FALL RECIPES

As the crisp air of fall sets in, our kitchens tend to get busier with the cozy scents of cookies, hearty holiday sides, and even a festive warm cocktail or two. But with all the baking and roasting, oven space quickly becomes premium real estate. That's where the slow cooker comes to the rescue! It’s the perfect tool to help you whip up comforting fall dishes without the fuss. Plus, it saves you valuable time so you can focus on the sweeter things in life—like dessert! These set-it-and-forget-it recipes will make your autumn cooking effortless and fill your home with mouthwatering aromas.

These recipes come from a recipe site called Delish and I can tell you, I’ve tried several of their recipes before and they really are DELISH!

To explore more recipes, visit https://www.delish.com/

CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

  https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a51825/best-slow-cooker-chicken-tortilla-soup-recipe/

 

CUBE STEAK

https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a30498905/crock-pot-cube-steak-recipe/

 

LEMON HERB CHICKEN

https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a41886262/slow-cooker-lemon-herb-chicken-recipe/

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