Pen to Paper Challenge: Week 2

We have selected our second winner of our Pen to Paper Challenge, congrats to Emmi from Mommy's Free Time.

Emmi's husband is currently deployed and she chose to send him a note for the second week of the challenge.

My second note card is going to my husband, Tony, a member of the US Army who is currently deployed. I honestly get to talk to my husband every day a luxury that most don't get, but it doesn't make things any easier. This is the first time that he is deployed away from the kids. Our daughter is only 2 and our son is only 1. He is actually going to miss both of their birthdays and I know that's not going to be easy for us or for him. I have the great pleasure of telling him every day how much I love him and how proud I am of him for all the wonderful things he is doing for our country. But it's not that easy for the kids to express themselves. So I wanted to do something a little different with this challenge. I decided to write a short note to my husband on the note card and then allow my kids to add their personal messages. Sure it's a bunch of scribbles and circles but when you ask them what it says they love to point and tell you DADA...mama...dog. I just know that this is going to mean the world to him when he receives it even though it will be a month after we mail it.

See the rest of Emmi's post here.

Congratulations, Emmi, and thank you for accepting the challenge!

Pen to Paper Challenge

At Pear Tree Greetings, we understand that a few, personal words to a family member or friend can go a long way. Whether it’s through a hand-written letter, a Christmas card or even a birth announcement, there’s an exciting feeling when a note is received in the mail. In an effort to show the meaning of a personalized card in a digital world, we recently announced our 'Pen to Paper' challenge for our Pearista bloggers.

Our Pearistas are a group of bloggers that are passionate about stylish stationery and communicating with loved ones. These Pearistas not only keep in touch through their blogs, but also through mailing cards and letters. Though blogs, emails and text messages are second nature in today’s generation, our Pearistas value the power of sending a personalized note, too. It was time to encourage our Pearistas and inspire others to value the hand-written word, by sending a handwritten note once a week for four weeks and then blogging about their experiences. Once per week a blogger will be selected as a winner based on their blog post.

Our first winner is Law Momma from Spilled Milk. We absolutely loved how she explained what a handwritten note meant to her, I'll let her words speak for themselves.

To me, there is no means of corresponding that is more intimate than pen on paper.

Think about it. You get hundreds of emails in a week, maybe more. You get tons of text messages. Sure, they make you smile. They say "Hey, I'm thinking about you right this second." And that's great. But think about the last time you got a letter.

A real letter.

Not a typed out "here's how the family is doing" at Christmas, but a real, honest to goodness letter. Handwritten. With ink smears. And maybe even with crossed out words or that tell-tale blend of letters that says "I don't know how to spell this and oops that's wrong so I'll just muddle them up really close and maybe they won't notice."

Handwritten letters say "I am thinking about you right now. And you are important to me. So important that I'm going to get a wrist cramp and probably look like a loony toon with my tongue sticking out as I try to fit. one. more. word. at the bottom of the page." Handwritten letters actually MEAN something. They're the little notes you folded into stars and triangles in high school and then stuck in your back pocket, wondering if you would ever get the guts to give it to him. They're the lists you wrote to Santa as you poured through the Sears Toy Catalog for just the exact gift you never knew you totally wanted.  They're the keepsakes, bound together with ribbon, that spell out a time lost... a loved one gone... a life remembered.

Handwritten letters are art.

And that is why, when Pearista announced their August challenge, I accepted with a click of my heels. I worship the written word. I kneel at the alter of libraries and bookstores and snub my nose at Nook and Kindle and all the other crazy ways of trying to say that pen to paper is a thing of the past. The Pearista challenge was to write one handwritten card a week for four weeks. And as a bonus, they sent me the cards to write them on, along with 4 additional cards to send to the person you chose to write. And you could write anything. Anything at all. To anyone at all. Four little drops of sunshine to send out into the world.

My first letter went out this week and she should have received it by now. It wasn't much but it was something I really wanted to write. Because sometimes? Email doesn't cut it.

See the rest of Law Momma's post here.

Congratulations, Law Momma, thank you for accepting the challenge!

Photography tips for taking great baby photos

We’ve all received them--baby announcements that look like something out of a magazine. Some of us are fortunate to have the help of a talented photographer, but what if you don’t? Here are infant photography tips for the non-professionals who want that gorgeous photo:

  

A close up is best. Remember your baby is the hero! Your loved ones will want to see your baby’s features, and share it with others. A close-up will show just how special your little one is, and how daddy’s nose has been passed on to another generation.

Use a nursing pillow if you have one. It is a great way to prop your baby up for the perfect shot. Cover the nursing pillow with a blanket and place your baby in it for the photo. This makes it much easier to get a good angle for your shot.

Let sleeping babies lie. Don’t feel the need to wait until the baby is wide awake and smiling. Some of our favorite photos are of slumbering babies! They can be artful, simple and elegant.  Not to mention that the subject of your photo will be a lot more cooperative, allowing you to get that perfect shot, even if it is 50 clicks later.

Use minimal, simple, or no props. Baptism invitations and Christmas birth announcements would seem to naturally lend themselves to adorable props. It's tempting to go all out and surround the baby with toys and flair, but remember, your baby is the star. Anything else is a distraction. Nothing is cuter than a baby with a single prop or no prop at all.

Natural light is best. Take your photo outdoors or near a window for the best light, but avoid direct sunlight. Too much light can wash out the details, like those perfect dimples. That's an infant photography tip from the pros.

Automatic camera setting. Many digital cameras have settings for portraits or close-ups that can help you take the perfect photo without having to adjust lighting, focus, etc. With a little experimentation, finding the right setting can make things easier.

 

Take the photo when you are not rushed. The last of the infant photogrpahy tips would be to make sure the Baby should be fed and changed or sleeping. Have fun and try not to stress about it. The worst that can happen is that you have a hundred new photos of your baby to look at!

 

 

On a more personal note - note card ideas

One of the things we love about our personal stationery is that you can, well, personalize it, whether simply with your name or initials, or something as creative as a favorite verse, lyric, original writing or photo. Once the note card is printed, however, what’s inside is all up to you. There are a myriad of reasons to send a personal note, and lots of creative ways to make them even more personal. Not feeling very creative? Here are some of the more delightful note card ideas we’ve heard from our customers that we’re happy to pass along to you.

Include a gift card for your favorite coffee place with a note saying “Let’s have coffee!”

Include a photo you’ve taken that is special to you…a place you visited, your family, the flowers you grew, or a picture of you and your friend from way back when.

Include something your child just drew that day – kid art, especially for her.

Send her some tea bags, because you know she became addicted to Earl Grey when she was in London.

Enclose an article that made you laugh because you used to pour over People Magazine together.

Send a poem that reminds you of a time you spent together.

A quote from the past is always good for a laugh…the best jokes are the old ones.

Send the lyrics to a song that reminds you of a wonderful time.

Enclose a recipe you’ve been meaning to share with her–maybe she’ll send her secret recipe back.

A fortune from a fortune cookie that made you think, “This is you!”

Instead of moving announcements, stick matching address labels on the inside of your personal note cards.

We hope you enjoyed our note card ideas. Now, go, send someone a smile.

Graduation Gift Ideas

As Graduation Invitations are trickling in, I find myself trying to think of meaningful gifts (along with the requisite check donation) for the graduates closest to our family. Gifts from the heart often means homemade, time-consuming and in some cases, expensive offerings, and with my own child’s graduation looming, I don’t have too much of either.

 

But thinking creatively (and shamelessly stealing other mom’s ideas), I have a few graduation gift ideas for some special graduates:

 

-          Personalized stationery and personalized note cards

-          School supplies (binders, lined paper, pens/pencils)

-          Personalized leather portfolio/binder

-          Monogrammed anything (Class of 2010 paperweights, photo frames, pencil and pen gift set, etc)

-          Lounge wear (you know they’ll use it)

-          Gift cards to national chain restaurants or clothing stores

-          College Survival Guides for Freshman (at your local bookstore) or other books that provide life lessons

-          Laptop bag

-          Care package (array of candy, comfy blanket, lounge wear)

-          Poetry or words of inspiration

-          Gift certificate to dinner and a movie

-          Laundry bag

-          Alarm clock

-          Charging station for ipod and phone

-          USB port

-          Duffel bag or weekend get-away bag

-          Personalized mouse pad

-          Spa and shower set

-Laura, longtime fan of Pear Tree Greetings, shares her experiences with us as she prepares for her oldest child to graduate from high school.

High School Graduation - License to remodel?

As I look out my kitchen window at the pile of stones, dirt, wheel barrels and workers in my backyard I can’t help but think that high school graduations prompt more than the “pomp and circumstance” found in the graduation ceremony! Looking around my neighborhood where there are a fair share of upcoming graduation parties, I see that the occasion also brings about home remodeling projects ranging from additions to furniture purchases to backyard updates.

 

“High school graduation parties were invented by women who finally have a reasonable excuse to implement home projects,” is my husband’s favorite joke these days. Could there possibly be a grain of truth to my husband’s callousness? I know that my daughter’s impending graduation gave me the opportunity to rip out our old and outdated deck and replace it with a stone patio (and since we’re already doing the work I reasoned, we might as well put in a fire pit, hot tub and basketball court…).

 

What is it about high school graduations that prompt this type of response in otherwise responsible and practical people? And this at a time when impending college bills come due? All I know is that I want to give my daughter a memorable bon voyage party that reminds her that home is where the heart is and that she has a large group of loved ones in her life who wish her the best in her new adventures.

 

And there is all the more reason to celebrate her graduation under a backdrop of new furniture, fresh-laid sod, and a stone patio: after all, I’m practical - and killing two birds with one stone is merely what an efficient mother does!

 

-Laura, longtime fan of Pear Tree Greetings, shares her experiences with us as she prepares for her oldest child to graduate from high school.

Graduation Advice - what every high school graduate needs to know

This year, the anticipation of spring brings more than green grass and vibrant flowers. It also means that my first-born is leaving the house for the next big adventure: college. Have I taught her life essentials? Does she know not to mix colors and whites in her laundry? Will she remember to set her alarm? Eat her vegetables?

 

And those questions only cover the tip of the iceberg. With only a few more months at home, I try to impart a lesson here and there as we’re in the car or making dinner together. But I see how her eyes glaze over as I fork over a piece of advice along with a pork chop. But I can’t help myself. Honestly, I’m scared! I’m scared to send my only daughter out into this big world; my oldest child; my sweet innocent baby; my little love-muffin!

 

What advice am I passing along that she hasn’t heard before? During this emotional year, I’ve moved past the trite (but important) lessons: don’t get into a car with someone who has been drinking, take school seriously, be responsible, don’t go home with strangers, don’t do drugs, etc.

 

But I have evolved, and rather than giving nagging advice, I’ve now changed my tune to focus on her accomplishments and strengths. I want her to remember the following:

-          We’re so proud of the person she is

-          Family matters more than anything else

-          Her kindness and compassion are important strengths that will guide her through many difficult situations

-          She has been, and will continue to be, a source of incredible joy to her parents

-          She is loved, loved, loved and oh, so cherished

-          We will always support her, love her, be there, cheer her along, adore her, etc.

 

I’m already stocking up on Kleenex in anticipation of her leaving for college, but I’m also happy for her and incredibly grateful that I had the good fortune to have her in my care for almost 19 years.

 

-Laura, longtime fan of Pear Tree Greetings, shares her experiences with us as she prepares for her oldest child to graduate from high school.

Graduation Party Checklist

I have my list and I’m checking it twice, even three and four times per day. It is the graduation party checklist… The list has become the personification of my mothering and caretaking of my oldest child - I want to give the proper sendoff as she marches into adulthood.

 

Over these last few months, the college countdown has started for both mother and daughter.  Kelsey’s countdown differs from mine: prom, graduation, senior party, graduation party, meet college roommate, pack up, drive to college, move in to dorm. She is giddy with excitement.

 

My checklist looks like this: pin down a date for graduation party, order graduation invitations, tables and tent, food and decorations. The list goes on and on while I’m keeping a case of Kleenex nearby at all times!

 

It is as if these last few events of high school have come to symbolize our kids’ final steps of childhood and the first shaky paces into adulthood. And to me, this symbolic journey explains why I have a long checklist in my purse and a box of tissues by my side. I can’t make time stop (and have my little girl back), but I can help her make memories in these last few weeks of high school as she is preparing to pass the threshold into adulthood. 

 

-Laura, longtime fan of Pear Tree Greetings, shares her experiences with us as she prepares for her oldest child to graduate from high school.

Do’s and Don’ts of Graduation Invitations and Announcements

Do – Make an invite list and go over it with your graduate.

Don’t – Order 100 graduation party invites for 100 people. Remember couples, families, etc.

Do – Match both the graduation announcements and invites to the style of your grad and the graduation party theme.

Don’t – Limit yourself to looking at only a few options for invites. Photo graduation invitations are easy to order and make for the ultimate personalized invite.

Do – Send invites out at least 4 weeks before the party.

Do – Request RSVPs 2 weeks before the party.

Don’t – Forget to include a map or directions to the party location.

Don’t – Skimp on the total order of graduation party invites. It’s better to order extra.

Do – Specify if a meal or food will be served.

Do – Include a dress code if the graduation party theme requires one.

Don’t – Forget the Thank You cards. In fact, order them when you order the graduation invitations to save time.

Do – Have fun looking through all the options and selecting graduations invitations!

That's My Grad! Contest - Win $5,000!

 

Calling all moms of high school grads. LET’S HEAR IT, MOMS! Here’s your chance to do what you do best—talk about your kids. We want to hear how great they are. What makes them special? Tell us about your 18-year journey together and what lies ahead. Your story could win $5,000 to help your grad follow a dream, whether it be college, travel, volunteer work, or another passion.

Enter the contest!