Monday, December 16, 2013

Tea Time

My December calendar always starts out slow and then BAM...it is packed. I love this time of year for all the time I get to spend with others. I know it can get crazy trying to get it all in, see the people you want to see, and host the get togethers you want to host. We seem to get a lot of dinner invites this month that vie for precious spots on the calendar and we like to have people over too (just feels like Christmas). 

But I'd like to offer up an alternate idea or two...have some people over for breakfast/brunch/lunch instead of dinner. Or have people over for dessert (and maybe add in some board games or a Christmas movie). Or maybe just appetizers (everyone brings their favourite one - they are all my favourite, I could eat only appetizers for meals and I'd be happy).  Or have a gift wrapping party, go bowling, see a movie...start some new traditions (that will energize you, instead of make you feel rushed/stressed/ busy).

I recently hosted a tea party for a great group of girls/writers (we've done dinners and brunches in the past) and it was really quite lovely.  We had just as much fun as always and it was something different. Actually, it may have been our best get together yet . We did a gift exchange for the first time. It had to be under $5. and it had to Inspire Creativity - it turned out quite well. New traditions...

Oh the fun you can have beyond dinner parties. Perhaps a Christmas card or letter writing night would tickle your fancy...I'm always down for a little mail time. And if Christmas cards aren't in your immediate future...there are always New Year's Cards!


638/1000 - Eighteen added to the tally.

Mailbox Monday

From World Market - one of my favourite stores!

Here is today's mailbox. It definitely has me thinking of mailboxes as home decor. I heard this week that Canada Post is going to be phasing out door to door delivery and transitioning to community mailboxes. I haven't had door to door delivery since I was...well, a long time ago (in my teens) but it still makes me a little sad that people won't need personal mailboxes or mail slots. So truly, mailboxes as home decor might be the wave of the future (starting trend now). Have a great week everyone!


Monday, December 9, 2013

Mailbox Monday

A Santa Mailbox!
I found this gem in my Christmas tree decorations. The end comes off and you put your letter to Santa inside - I haven't used it yet but this year might be the year! A very festive Mailbox Monday for you.  I keep surprising myself with all of these mail related objects that I didn't realize I had - each discovery is like...well...Christmas!

Happy Monday! It's snowing here - Winter Wonderland!

Sunday, December 8, 2013

'Tis the Season...

...of busy-ness? It can be. And that can be a big part of the fun sometimes - all the hustle and bustle. But like many of you I sometimes wish for the occasional quiet moment (this is hard with a toddler and a preschooler in the house). So I've been carving out some little moments here and there of quiet,  peace, and Christmas.

I've been sitting down every night to write a few Christmas cards and it is so lovely to think about each person or family that I'm writing to - each card is a walk down memory lane (from recently to years ago). I think I forget this each year and when I sit down to write cards it is such a gift! It reminds me of how blessed I am to have the friends and family that I do. We received our first three Christmas cards in the mail on Friday and it just warmed my heart (they filled up my mailbox and I was excited to get home and share them with our family). Thank you Shelley, Patti and Jeff. Our very first card was hand delivered and that is quite lovely too. Thank you Harmony.

My Christmas Card Mess-Making Station.
And those puffs keep popping up everywhere!

I realize that there are lots of people out there who won't receive any Christmas cards this year, people who are alone or lonely or who don't have a fixed address. It is heartbreaking. There are a lot of programs that bring people together and give in times of need and cold and trouble. But it can also be easy to walk by and not notice when we are so caught up in our own lives and our own "stuff." You may not be a Christmas-card-mail-sending-kind-of-person like I am but I do hope that you will take a chance to lighten the load of someone in your life or a stranger. That you will love as the season dictates. That you will say to the, often, unseen "I see you, you are known." Think about carrying around a few coffee gift cards, warm socks or food items you can share with someone out in the cold who doesn't have a place to call home (and more if you are able). My Christmas wish...love your friends, your family and your neighbours (we all call this planet home - so that's everyone right?).

Simply love people this week as much as you can. See how it makes you feel...

620/1000 Adding a big 56 to the count - lots of Christmas cards but a few other things too - hooray!

P.S. Congratulations to the 2013 Canadian Weblog Award Winners! So lovely to be nominated and in such good company for the ride.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Mailbox Monday

Christmas Mailbox!

Someone special and thoughtful picked this up for me - a Christmas mailbox! How cute! Perfect for wrapping up a sweet little gift. My daughter has been delivering me all kinds of mail in this little tin wonder (princesses, stickers, and puffs - see below). My kids have both been loading it up with puffs and emptying it out, and loading it up and...

Puffs, puffs and more puffs!

Have a wonderful week everyone! 

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Snow Mail!

December is almost here...so I'm sure you all have your advent calendars ready to go (tee hee). Hopefully, my Advent Calendar Mondays got you a little excited or inspired to get in a festive mood. I know December can be a stressful month so do your best to stop and appreciate the little things. I know the joy the advent calendar brings in my house (so much excitement in the morning!) what will it be for you? I know we will also make jam from summer apricots, make birdseed ornaments for the tree in our yard, drive around and look at all the houses with lights (and yell, "Christmas House" every time we see one - under direct orders from my daughter), and decorate a gingerbread house (actually, a carousel...new in stores this year I think - Piper's pick).

Family Gingerbread Party 2012

Actually today we made snow! It's been a beautiful sunny, but cold, day here in the Pacific Northwest. We don't get a lot of snow but we got something very cool in the mail last week.

Thank you Auntie Jenna!

And not only was it so fun to receive, it was sent in a paper-lunch-bag-made-envelope with washi tape to pretty it up and seal it up (I wish I'd taken a picture of it before we opened it but I let Piper have it as soon as I checked the mail). Add "snow" to your list of cool things to send in the mail (with just a regular stamp too).

It's always an exciting month at the mailbox for cards and notes and packages. I need to get going on my own stack so I can send them out next week. I love picking out gifts for my friends and family,  and making them too. In fact, my nieces' gifts this Christmas are all handmade (I may post about this later...but top secret stuff right now).  I also love to wrap (crazy right). Seriously I should hire out my services (but I do make a big mess).  

In the quiet moments (usually after children have gone to bed) I love curling up on my couch, with a steaming cup of tea, taking in the beauty of the Christmas tree & the Nativity, the sense of calm and if there were gentle snowflakes falling from the sky it might just be perfect.

Find your perfect moment and make it happen - it is a season of joy, let yourself be joyful.

564/1000 one penpal letter going out but look out for Christmas cards adding to the count next week!

Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends!



Monday, November 25, 2013

Advent Calendar Monday

     I know Chocolate Advent Calendars are very popular and maybe why a lot of people love the coming of December but that's not my story. Chocolate calendars didn't make their debut in my house until I was almost in my teens. And they were really just an excuse to eat chocolate in the morning/everyday (not the best chocolate either). Having said that there are a number of gourmet chocolatiers that are putting out Advent calendars these days that would make any chocolate aficionado drool and I could definitely get on board with these (Rogers, Purdy's, Lindt...). Mmmm...I do love good chocolate!

My memories are of Christmas story/Nativity Advent calendars - beautiful colours and sweet tiny pictures behind each door. It became about conversation every morning - "What do you think it will be today?" Followed by "Oh tell me about that one?" What a great way to start the day and slow down for conversation during a very busy month. Children grow up so fast, so any opportunity to create moments, memories and traditions is important and meaningful (I remember those moments).

Vintage!

This is the kind I grew up with - German most likely. It actually has a fold out and a slide on the right side to make the animals move. My Mom found this one in her Christmas decorations a few years ago. I've kept it in the package until now.

A collection!

These are some I've used over the years and a couple still in the package - one tells jokes, another is the Nativity story, another is the Christmas Carol story and a few others. This is just a small number out of what I've found in my Christmas decorations (Advent Calendars are rather flat, take up little room so... perhaps having lots doesn't make me a hoarder...I hope). 

Maybe, I'm tuned in but I've been noticing a lot of Advent Calendars out there as I've been shopping around. A resurgence perhaps? Or maybe they've never taken a dip in popularity (I hope not). The problem is remembering to get them before December 1st so now is the time - a little joy each day!

Adding two to the count (my blog post didn't make it up last week...I had the chance for a few days away with my husband and it was lovely).

563/1000 (going to add big to the count soon...Christmas cards and such!).


A little post script: My Mom just reminded me that my Grandma used to give me Advent calendars too.  I don't remember that but it warms my heart

Monday, November 18, 2013

Advent Calendar Monday

This is the advent calendar I'll be filling this year - I'm absolutely in love with it! My husband bought it for me about six years ago. I just pulled it out and both my kids were super excited to check it out.

Christmas 2012

Here are some ideas for filling advent calendars if you are doing something other than good deeds or activities (of course, you could always do a combo of things too):


Kids:
candy bracelet/necklace - Hershey's kisses/Werthers - bite size chocolate bars - hot chocolate envelope - lollipop - Kinder Egg (not in the US) - whistle - harmonica - stickers - fun socks - fun shoelaces - Yo-Yo - Slinky - crayons - spinning top - earrings - fake tattoos - flexible headbands - mittens/gloves - erasers -  bouncy balls - little notebooks - lip balm - hair clips - knock, knock jokes - a candy cane - bubbles - cars - toothbrush (my daughter loves getting a new one) - a coin each day - stickers - lego pieces or mini-figs - puzzle pieces (we do this too with a magnetic Nativity puzzle - one piece a day & it goes on the fridge or inside of front door) - Tic Tacs - dot to dot page or colouring page - single serve Nutella package - a craft to make - a handmade coupon (movie of your choice tonight or choose a game to play) - ornament for the tree - scripture - treasure map - a coupon for a "coffee" date  (okay, maybe a hot chocolate date)


Look at these sweet,

Adults:
single serve coffee, tea, hot chocolate or cool drink - fun socks - Starbucks gift card (or other coffee/tea cafe of choice) - scratch and win or lottery ticket - bath salts - bubble bath - perfume/cologne samples - ice creamery gift card -  lip balm - earrings (jewellery) - sticky notes - tree ornament - chocolate - candy - Tic Tacs - nail polish - candle - car air freshener - travel size lotion - gum - mints - diamonds (lol, just checking to see if you are reading them all) - postage stamps (or is that just me?) - cool fridge magnet - a note that says something you love about them (actually that would be lovely everyday - forget all the other stuff just fill with love notes!).


sweet details!


One more Advent Calendar Monday to follow this one and then back to Mailbox Monday once December starts (and one by one those little doors open!).


Saturday, November 16, 2013

Paper and Crayons

     Drawings and pictures and journals and books and treasure maps...I have a drawing maniac over here right now! It's really neat to watch how excited my daughter is about creating because she always used to say, "You draw it," if we suggested drawing anything. And suddenly a switch has been flipped because she is constantly asking for paper (which I am happy to give but seriously need to up my supply). She started out with monsters but now she is working on hearts (and doing a pretty darn good job of them I have to say - may need to hire her as a freelancer for my Valentine's cards), houses, trains, castles, crowns, whatever strikes her fancy. She likes to make books of her drawings and stories as well (which she used to do with stickers but now does all her own illustrations - lol).

A small collection.

Speaking of amazing handmade drawings. My daughter received a hand delivered piece of mail from her friend Andy. So sweet - he knocked on our door (sadly Piper was not home) and dropped it off with my hubby. Piper was pretty excited to open it when she got home. It contained a very cool drawing on a piece of cloth!





Here is a little mail she's made in return - love it! It will be on its way shortly!


Christmas is getting close (at least it suddenly feels that way!). If you have any children on your list think about crayons and paper (simple but wow, the things they can do with them...endless and dare I say, priceless!). In fact, crayons and paper for everyone on your list - there is something incredibly relaxing about picking up a crayon and doing a little doodling. People with kids have an excuse and opportunity to do this all the time so if you don't have kids or your kids aren't 'crayon colouring age' anymore go buy yourself a new pack (fresh tips, untouched, brand new colours to do with what you will). Not embarrassed to say I even have my own colouring book (hands off kids!) because it gives me an excuse to sit still every so often. I quite enjoy a new pack of pencil crayons as well.

Of course, stationery, pens and postage are always great gifts too. What kind of mail blog would this be if I didn't mention that!

561/1000 - 4 important pieces - some may include crayon drawings...

Monday, November 11, 2013

Advent Calendar Monday


Advent Calendar of Goodness: A Flurry of Ideas

     When I was teaching Writing 12 one of the assignments we worked on as we got close to December was an Advent Calendar of Goodness/Kindness. They had to craft their own calendar and write a good deed they could do for someone else behind each door. I encouraged them to be creative and go beyond the typical. They came up with some great ideas and their calendars all looked so different from each other.

     I thought I'd better make one myself if I expected them to do it (that's mine above - cardboard box, stickers, buttons, green paper and glue).  Mine is actually called 'Advent Calendar of Goodness: a Flurry of Ideas" with the buttons representing snowflakes. It was a lot of fun to make.

     There are a lot of DIY advent calendar ideas out there! Good deeds are a great thing to put behind each door (bake cookies for the firehall, help a neighbour put up their Christmas lights, drop off canned food to the Food Bank). Another option is to put Winter/Christmas activities to do together as a family/couple (decorate the Christmas tree, go ice skating, make bird seed ornaments).

     And you don't need kids to have an advent calendar my husband and I would alternate days and fill them for the other person long before any kids came along. What a fun challenge to see what we could fit behind each door. More to come about this next Advent Calendar Monday.

Here is a cool DIY Advent Calendar
from Erlend at Creative Morning -
a cool DIY craft blog from Norway.

     If you click on the photo it will take you to the Advent Calendar tutorial but check out the rest of his blog too - lots of neat ideas! Some cool crafts with buttons up right now. For other great collections of DIY Advent Calendars check out Tip Junkie or Pinterest (of course). There are lots of ideas floating around out there. Or you could just look around your house and see what you have and put something together like I did. You could even make it a competition (we do a gingerbread party with my family every year - we kind of make it a contest - it's a lot of fun but this could be fun too). Make one for your kids, for a friend, for you. Get your craft on! You could even send it in the mail! Oh yes, now it's all coming together.




Thursday, November 7, 2013

Another Look

Are you just tuning in and 
wondering what my blog is all about? 

First of all - welcome! It's cool to have readers from countries all over the world (Norway, Germany, Australia, Ukraine, Poland, South Korea, & Saudi Arabia to name a few). It is really amazing to me that a little challenge I gave myself in 2010 has reached so many people far and wide. I'm really enjoying the creative outlet and the push to connect with people via letters and the Internet world.

Here are the basic deets...

I've always been a fan of mail and a very serious letter writer. I challenged myself to send out 1000 paper letters (packages, post cards, just all around personal mail) to friends, family and in some cases, strangers. I like where it has taken me personally so far and I hope that maybe I'm inspiring a little letter writing in others and perhaps some kindness acts as well - these are my passions.

For a more thorough picture - check out my very first post from January 2010 aptly named 

Hello!

I've had a couple of friends find my blog for the first time in the last week. So I decided to go back reread all of my entries and imagined what it was like to be seeing them for the first time. It was kind of a neat reading journey. It reminded me why I took on my challenge and why I keep sharing it with others. It's always good to self-evaluate and check in to see how things are going.

And to those who have been with me for a while - thanks for joining me, encouraging me and sending me some very cool mail along the way (you get me, you really do).

Advent Calendar Monday happened for the first time this week and that was exciting. It also coincided nicely with my birthday (love it when a plan comes together...if you get this reference it might be a clue to how many years I've been writing letters now - lol). We had a dinner of appetizers (my favourite, really I could survive on appetizers alone) with family and had a lovely time.  I have to share one of the coolest gifts I received (from my husband who totally gets me) and I can't believe I have never seen this before...

Uppercase: a magazine for the creative and the curious

The Stationery Issue - Spring 2013!

I'm totally in love with this! It comes out quarterly and runs about $18 per issue. It's even Canadian - based out of Calgary! I've already marked a thousand pages (I might be prone to hyperbole here due to extreme happiness). Remember I mentioned on Monday that I rip up magazines? I do this for ideas, to make things, and to reuse before I recycle. I will not be ripping up this amazingly beautiful magazine. The thickness of the pages...oh I could go on but it would be better to enjoy an issue rather than me go on and on about it. 

Are you creative? Are you curious? Check out Uppercase - it really is quite lovely. 

557/1000 a couple for the count!





Monday, November 4, 2013

Advent Calendar Monday

Advent Calendar Monday is here!
I thought I'd start out with a cool collection from Etsy (it also gives people enough time to do a little searching themselves and order in time for December 1st).

Thank you to Karen at ArtfulTea for letting me post
 this unique advent calendar for the tea lover in your life.
 Seriously two of my favourite things - tea and advent calendars!
In love!


  
Thank you to Shawna at Tricyclecrafts for letting me post
her cool Magnetic Advent Calendar! Love it when you can
reuse year to year - and doesn't it look cute!

Thank you to Gregory at SlippinSouthern for letting me post this
fantastic advent tree! You can choose what you add to this
advent calendar base - photos, treats, ornaments.
Your options are endless!

Thank you to Liz from Dandeave for letting me post her
printable advent calendar boxes - they are beautiful! 

Thank you to Anissa from thymbldesigns for letting me post her beautiful
Matryoshka Advent Calendar! She ships from Europe
(so time is a bit tighter on these). Precious!

Just sharing a little handmade/homemade love this fine Advent Calendar Monday! 
And again, if you have never purchased anything from Etsy before -
 you can use this link to get $5.00 off by using this link.

It's a gorgeous day here in the Pacific Northwest!
Enjoy your Monday wherever you are!

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Blustery Day

     It truly is a blustery day out there! I went out walking in it, then I was working in it and finally, I am writing (my blog) in it (the coziest by far).  A perfect evening to curl up with a book, some stationery, one of my many idea books/journals...do you know that feeling? If I am anything, I am a list maker...can you relate? I do make lists on my phone sometimes but I really do prefer paper and pen, because there is nothing quite like striking out a completed item with a pen stroke. Grocery lists, gift ideas list, Christmas list, the never ending (but ever popular) To Do list...

     Now just thinking out loud here but why not send out some lists in the mail...okay, not your grocery list but perhaps...let me just put it into a little list for you:

Or maybe your grocery list is a good read - feel free
to send that out too!
   
     Would love to hear more of your list ideas (feel free to 'list' them in the comment section)! It's always great to share ideas. Community is a good thing. See you on Mailbox Monday Advent Calendar Monday! Super excited to showcase some cool finds from Etsy to start with. Off to do some writing (or rip up some magazines - I do that too).

As for mail...
555/1000 - adding a small two to the count (but they won't be small to the receivers).


Monday, October 28, 2013

Mailbox Monday (the late edition)

Even Goofy has a Mailbox!

It's been a fun, goofy weekend with movies, costume making and pumpkin carving! This is a throwback to our spring break but it seemed to fit with things here lately (and can I say - I love the details that Disney puts into everything).  Enjoy today's (tonight's) mailbox - it's going to be a great week!


Saturday, October 26, 2013

Crunching Leaves and Change

     We've been out crunching leaves on our walks this week - a clear sign of change (and an incredibly satisfying sound). When we aren't walking we are driving around and looking at all the decorated houses - my daughter is loving this! She says, "Mom when you see a decorated house yell out 'Haunted House!'' So she is definitely in the spirit of things! And it may just be a pumpkin patch kind of day today and then a date day with her Daddy to the movies. They've both grown to really love this tradition (Cloudy with a chance...)

     Halloween may be next week but the deadline for European surface delivery is now. So we've been wrapping presents even though it is not even November yet. So excited about getting to the post office today to send my packages on their way (feeling a little bit festive). Speaking of cool packages...we received a really cool box of goodies the other day and they included this really awesome Cozyband for Piper (and one for me too!) from my friend Kristy. Kristy has decided to give it a go at selling them too - check out her Etsy page! She can do different sizes and colours too. Lots of fun.

Staying Warm!

     And speaking of Etsy...if you have never purchased anything from there before you can use this link to get $5.00 off your first purchase - which is very cool! My Christmas shopping (for others and myself) wouldn't be complete without shopping there and I've picked up some great stationery and stickers throughout the years as well. I also have a shop on Etsy -  Paperroute - up and running since 2008.  I'm just updating my photos and adding some new things too. It's been awhile since I've shared my store info and thought it was time for a little self promo.

Cool things to send in the mail (in case you need some new ideas)...

I just picked up a variety pack of hot chocolate with Coffee Crisp, After Eight and Rolo flavours - not sure if Coffee Crisp will make it out the door - but what cool hot chocolate flavours to send out to friends!

Recent family, pet, baby, trip photos to friends and family!

A great article you just read - funny, inspirational or educational! Hand picked by you for someone - how thoughtful!

Puzzle pieces - a few at a time!

Jokes, riddles, comics (from the newspaper, Internet, hand drawn - lol)!

Monster drawings (we've been getting a lot of these lately and they are pretty cool so we might be sending some out soon)!

Have a great Halloween this coming week everyone! We will be escorting a robot and FBI agent around (and then likely eating most of their candy - this parent thing is working out nicely).

553/1000 Packages and more! And just like that I'm over the halfway mark to my goal. It's been fun so far - thanks for all your encouragement, feedback and love.



Monday, October 21, 2013

Mailbox Monday

Loving this copper beauty!

Thank you to CopperDesign for letting me post this lovely mailbox. I love the copper patina look and how special is that little mailbox key! Since I don't need an actual mailbox maybe I'll just start putting them up on one of my walls as art (seriously) or as organizational tools (hmmm...might be on to something here)! 

In other news...have you started Christmas shopping yet? Have you thought about buying local and/or handmade? Think about it! Not only will you give unique gifts that people will love - you will also be supporting people who are doing what they love to support themselves and their families. Etsy is a great place to start but crafts fairs, local businesses, home parties...are places to consider too. I've already started at all of the above - yay!


Post Script (Wednesday): If you have never bought anything from Etsy before
 you can use this link and get $5.00 off

Friday, October 18, 2013

How to Get Some Super Cool Mail

Did you know that your kids (or you) can send your favourite Disney character a letter and they will send back an autographed postcard...

Picking a favourite might be the hardest part!
Name of Character
Walt Disney World Communications
PO Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
32830 - 0040

Try sending wedding invitations here:

Mickey and Minnie Mouse
The Walt Disney Company
500 South Buena Vista Street
Burbank, California
91521

Cinderella and Prince Charming
PO Box 1000
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
32830

The Honorable Barack Obama and Mrs. Obama
The White House Greetings Office Rm. 39
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, DC 20500

Letters to Santa in Canada:

Santa Claus
North Pole
H0H 0H0
Canada

There is also an email form here

In the US:

Here is the Santa page for the United States Postal Service.

In the UK:

Santa/Father Christmas
Santa's Grotto
Reindeerland
XM4 5HQ

and the webpage is here.

Birthday or Anniversary Message from the Queen 
(if you live in the UK, Canada, Australia or New Zealand):

Birthdays - 100, 105 and/or each birthday following your 105th
Anniversaries - 60th, 65th, 70th and/or each year following your 70th

You can find information here.

Birthday or Anniversary Message from the Prime Minister 
(must be citizen/resident):

25th Wedding Anniversaries and up at 5 year intervals
65th birthdays and up

You can find information here.

Birthday or Anniversary or other greetings from the President of the United States 
(must be a citizen):

There seem to be various greetings The White House will send out and you can find the details here.


447/1000 Sending out a completed scavenger hunt and 5 other pieces on this foggy Friday.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Mailbox Monday

A few gems from Etsy.com today!

Sweetest Little Fairy Mailbox!

I've been telling my daughter fairy stories about little doors in gardens, rocks, and trees for a little while now and she loves them. And I've seen lots of little doors to buy for the garden but a mailbox? Thank you DragonFlyStudioArts - what a grand idea! Thanks to Janee for letting me post her picture here.

What lovely fun for your little one!
Another cool mailbox to share! This one is from LittleCrickets - so much love! This is a pdf pattern and she has a lot of great patterns in her store. Thanks to Mecca for letting me post her picture here.

Just some sweet mailbox fun for you on this Mailbox Monday!

Friday, October 11, 2013

Summer Makes a Cameo

   If you are looking to send out some personal and fun mail try this...I just had one of my favourite summer pictures printed onto postcards (via vistaprint) and added a great little quotation. Going to send some out this week and save some for gifts too (I love homemade gifts). This is the second time I've done this - through vp you have to order 100 at a time but it's a pretty cool thing to do (you just have to narrow it down and I like to wait for a sale). So if you have a favourite photo - give it a go (via your local print company or wherever works for you) and send something unique and personal out into the world.

A mug of tea on a beautiful morning in Garden Bay.

     Speaking of sending things out into the world, I was at my local Michaels Craft store and they had a flyer by the exit "Michaels Operation Christmas Card." You can bring handmade and filled out cards to Michaels locations and they will send them to American and Canadian soldiers. What a great thing to do with your own children or a classroom of students (teachable moment). Here are the deets, "Cards must be handmade and include a heart-felt handwritten message. Glitter of any kind should not be used. Include envelopes which should remain unsealed. Please do not include photos or phone numbers." You can find more info here. Mail for good - love it!

      I also have to send a little thankfulness out to my Post Office ladies - one of whom saved me over $10 on a package this week by making a suggestion and helping me re-pack and re-tape it. They are both the best!

442/1000 Sending out some of my fav photo postcards, a special package for a very special mama-to-be, and a couple of other things - count is up by 10!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian friends and family this weekend. Hope you have time to spend with your loved ones.



Monday, October 7, 2013

Mailbox Monday

Yep, this is my mailbox!
I thought I should share my actual mailbox today because, while it isn't a show stopper, I do appreciate the care and love that goes into the mail I receive in there. And for those visual people who need to know where I go each day - this is it.

And on a somewhat related topic - I LOVE advent calendars! 24/25 little doors with surprises behind each one...gee, what a shock they are on my LOVE list (a guarantee of good "mail" everyday)! I have been in love with them for years and finally have my very own beautiful wooden one but I love the paper ones too. And it turns out I'm not the only one - I just read about some cool ones that different businesses are offering up for this coming December (hello David's Tea, Starbucks & Benefit....not to mention that Lego puts one out each year). Okay, all to say that I think that, come November, Mailbox Monday might become Advent Calendar Monday - not as catchy as Mailbox Monday but all those in favour say "Ay" (want to see cool Advent calendars). It shall be done.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Mailbox Monday



Picked up this little beauty yesterday - what a surprise as I was browsing our local bookstore! Couldn't pass it up. And the fact that I could share it here made it a must have purchase! The little door on the  mailbox opens and closes (even better) and it turns out it was on sale (lucky day). I know I'm a mail nerd (a title I wear with pride).

Looking forward to hanging my keys on here!

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Thankful

     It's been a really eclectic mail week - stickers, thank you notes, quarters (for a young collector), post cards! It kind of fits the mood around here - little bit of this, little bit of that. We seem to be experiencing some summer days and some fall days - never know what to expect so trying to enjoy it all by getting out but also doing some crafty things too. I've even given good ol' Christmas a few moments of my time lately, although perhaps I should be focusing on Halloween (my daughter would like to be a robot - time to start building). Scattered I guess but in a good way.


     Thanksgiving (for us Canadians) is just around the corner. I've seen the usual Thanksgiving cards in the store which kind of makes me laugh - is it really a card sending holiday (I know, from me right?). But when you think about it perhaps Thanksgiving is the perfect card sending holiday. Maybe, more so than a lot of others. A good time to stop and think and perhaps count your blessings. And send off some thank you notes, some encouragement, some words of wisdom/advice and love to the people who make a difference in your life. Or those who need someone to make a difference in their lives. I'm sending out a few this year but I've also taken the change in seasons as a time to be more thankful and to let people know how important they are to me, to not keep compliments to myself (I'm always telling my husband "Oh, so and so looked so good today" and he inevitably says, "Did you tell them?" Okay, I'm sure I'm not the only person who does this), and to be a helper (a role I find myself filling a lot lately that seems to make sense to me).

Go out there and do good and be thankful!

Oh and I picked up the new Superman stamps! Yes, Canada Post has Superman stamps!

432/1000  as I add 8 to the rising count!

Monday, September 23, 2013

Mailbox Monday


An Art Deco beauty for you today. It conjures up old movie theatres, grand train stations and black tie affairs. Just a glance and I feel like I am in another era - a golden age perhaps. The details are so lovely and intricate - what a dream to find a special letter inside this beautiful mailbox (or letter box as it is labeled). Love.

Autumn has me thinking of my friends and family - near and far...more mail on the go soon.

424/1000 until I can get to the post office this week!

Monday, September 16, 2013

Oh Glorious Summer!

     We've been visiting a lot of places that we normally send mail too - so fun! I imagine I'm not the only one. We feel like we've had the one of the best summers of our lives over here - weather was great but really it was all about visiting friends and family and doing lots of things together - including camping with the kids for the first time!

Beautiful Summer Sunset in Wabasca, Alberta
One of our stops this summer - 16 hour drive (with kids - yikes!)
   
     My kids also had the chance to be in a wedding - flower girl (loved the dress and took her job very seriously) and ring bearer (at 18 months we weren't sure how this was going to go down - happy to say he nailed it).

Flower Girl

Ring Bearer

     And while we were enjoying summer (and trying not to be inside too much) the count has been working its way up with thank you letters, postcards, notes and a bunch of chain letters...wait, what? Okay, not a chain letter of old and not as nefarious as it sounds...it is a sticker chain letter - totally fun for kids (had it sent my way and passed it on). I've seen a similar one with books instead of stickers (again, fun mail for kids).

Hopefully this gives you the idea!

     And I'm finally getting to the computer on a cool, September morning. Yep, it seems Fall is here. It was an amazing summer but Fall brings a lot of fun too!  Love the smell of the cool air and how it makes me want to cozy up in a sweater and drink tea on my back deck. Oh yes Fall, you have a place in my heart too. A great time to send your favourite tea/hot chocolate/coffee to a friend in the mail or take some fall photos and send them off to family (you know the ones where you are jumping into the leaf pile).

424/1000 added 15 to the count!



Mailbox? Monday


Okay, so this isn't exactly a mailbox but it is super cool and has a lot of the same attributes. 
Free Little Library - check out this page for an article all about it and lots of other cool examples of Free Little Libraries out there! I want to do this!

Monday, September 9, 2013

Mailbox Monday

8th Oldest Operating Post Office in Canada - Going Vintage Today!


This photo for Mailbox Monday comes from my friend Tracie! It's located in Barkerville and one of the oldest operating community mailboxes in Canada! Only 39 little boxes - a very exclusive club to be in. I love how there is a tiny little window in each box to see what treasures might lie inside. I love it!

Lots of mail going out - will tally it up in my next blog post! It's been a wonderful summer of travel, family, friends and life! More to come soon.

Monday, August 12, 2013

(late) Mailbox Monday



Found this beauty on Etsy at TheBusBox store - check out his cool mailboxes! He even has school bus ones (rad). I don't know who Jeff and Sonya are but they are lucky to get this mailbox.  I have a thing for VW buses and probably always will - Coolness on wheels...yep and that is your Mailbox Monday. Later skaters (yep, I went there).

409/1000 One very belated birthday package crossing the Atlantic!

P.S. And a big thank you to Branden for letting me post his pic/posting.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Mailbox Monday



Look at this lovely collection! 
Now alone, each of these would be a straightforward painted mailbox but someone took the time to do a little organizing with their neighbours (maybe, even volunteered to do the painting!) and it just makes me smile every single time I drive by them. Thought they might brighten your Monday too!

408/1000 - one going out this holiday Monday (which probably means it will really go out Tuesday).

Friday, August 2, 2013

Walking, Scavenging, Neighbouring...

I've been doing some walking lately (one of my fav forms of exercise) and I've been following the same route for the most part and really checking out the houses along the way. There are some really beautifully kept homes in my neighbourhood. And I was reminded of this house in Washington on the rural roads of Blaine/Birch Bay, that I used to drive by regularly, that was always decorated for the seasons/holidays (even the little ones...back to school for example).

One day (around Christmas time) I decided to write them a card and tell them how my friends and family and I would drive by their house with the excitement of anticipation...what would it look like? How would it be decorated? And it didn't ever disappoint. I stealthily left a card on their door step, after stopping my car just past their house and running like a madwoman (not wanting to get caught in the act - wanting it to be an anonymous kindness). Such a simple thing to decorate their house and I bet they had no idea the happiness it caused (and then they did). I'm feeling like I might have to get into this again and drop off a few cards along my walking route. Good Neighbouring (new verb?) - worth a try.

In other news, I received one of my scavenger hunts back on July 25th! In that particular one (to some writing students) I asked for 4 things (a book spine poem, a 6 word story, something that starts with G that makes them happy, and their best knock knock joke). Thank you Miss H for being first and for full documentation - you rock!



And then later that day, my nieces sent me a picture of one of their scavenger hunt tasks (write on a banana with a ball point pen).
 



And I did hear some complaints from them too, "My Mom keeps throwing out the striped rocks" and "Seriously there are no pennies from 2002" (the year my middle niece was born - she's looked everywhere). I love it! And now I may have to be on the hunt for a 2002 penny (which will be a bit harder now that we have outlawed the penny so to speak). I also received this very cool postcard (I believe all hand drawn) - thanks Sage!

4 pieces heading out!

407/1000