The Art of Letter Writing

I used to write letters ALL the time and somehow got out of the habit of doing it as much. I used to send birthday cards, thank you cards constantly, cards to clients thanking them, cards for Easter, Halloween, Christmas, etc. I still try to send thank you cards and Christmas cards. This year I said I was going to do it more, I then started to do and then weened off of it. During quarantine I decided send thank you letters to clients that I had meaning to since the beginning of the year. I love how appreciated everyone usually is and who doesn't love getting a letter in the mail?! When writing letters, especially thank you letters, here is what I like to do:

• I usually like to use personalized stationary
• I like to address the person and tell them thank you for "x" thing
• Tell them how much it means to me or how I have used or will use that gift
• Then I usually sign it "love", "thank you" a heart, etc. depending on who I am sending it to
• I use a wax seal or sticker seal usually
• I love vintage stamps and new stamps
• The return address label is usually an embosser or some kind of custom return address label

As you can see I take my letter writing usually seriously and I feel everyone is usually appreciative. 

• I like using wax similar to this and I have an initial seal similar to this
• I have custom Crane and Co stationary, but this is similar and if you are local to Houston I get my custom stationary at Berings
• These heart stamps are fun stamps out right now
• I like using an embosser similar to this

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Concierge Must Have Item: Planner + Notepad

Concierge Must Have Item series has some and will have some pretty obvious things in it like this post. A must have for me is a paper planner, notebook, as well as, pens & pencils. I am a totally visual person and remember so much more if I write things down myself and can go back and look at it, make notes, cross things off, etc. I have to constantly write down notes from clients, notes from consultations, take notes at networking events and conferences, write down my schedule, blog ideas, etc. etc.

Don't get me wrong, I love electronic devices to keep track of things as well, but there is just something about pen and paper and writing things down yourself. I usually retain so much more that way and remember a lot more. Below are some of the brands that are my favorite and all of which I have talked about on here before.

• This year I tried out a new planner the Simplified Planner, which I like because I can write so much down on it, but don't know if it is the planner for me. 
• Le Pens are some of my favorite pens because they write so smooth. I very rarely like free pens and promotional item things, but I really like this Visit Houston pen I got when joing GHCVB, it writes so smooth as well. 
• Every since a client introduced me to Blackwing pencils years ago I have been obsessed and really prefer them over other pencils. 
• Russell + Hazel products have been a go to of mine for many year as I love their mini binders, all the inserts and products you can add to them.

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Save the USPS

If you know me or have been following the blog you know that I love to write letters and really think it is a lost art. Although I am a really eco and an environmentally conscious person, I really love paper products. I do the best I can and am not perfect. I do reuse and recycle many paper products that come in the mail, from the store, etc.  I love all things stationery / office in general and am constantly mailing stuff.

I urge you to go sign this petition to help save the USPS. 

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/save-post-office/VjdYZTKl

The pictures above are from the Christmas cards I mailed out this year. 

Love Letter

As many of you know I am obsessed with handwritten notes. I think that it is something that is slipping away and getting replaced with email. Personally I love receiving handwritten notes in the mail. Since, Valentine's Day is just around the corner here is a link on how to write a love letter. Although I do disagree with some points in the article like not saying "love" in a love letter.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pamela-keogh/field-notes-for-women-how_b_819888.html

photo courtesy of Pei-San Ng

Handwritten Notes - What Happened to Them

Handwritten notes are something that I find to be a lost art in this day in age. With email and everything electronic, I try to stay more personal whenever possible. Yes, I am constantly emailing others, but I think it is so much better if you can sit down and take the time to write something by hand. I always try to write a thank you notes, occasions, just because and for many other different reasons. I always like getting that nice surprise of a note in the mail.

Some ways in which you can make writing a note more fun and interesting would be:

• Get fun stationary. One person who I love to use is Avie Designs on Etsy.
• Use return address labels who represent you and aren't plain and boring. I get mine at Avie Designs as well.
• One special touch that I like to use is sealing the letter in someway whether it is a sticker seal or a wax seal. I use a wax seal more often because it personalizes it more and people usually know it is from me.

Remember, if you use an odd size letter (mine are usually square or rectangle) or have a wax on the back that is thick you may have to use the 64 cent postage.

Try to write at least one handwritten note a month if not more. Whether it is a thank you note or a just saying hi note, whomever receives it will probably be pleased and grateful and you never know whose day you may have brightened.

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