Friday Favorites – Snail Mail

It’s no secret, I have noted my love for “real” mail on the blog before but just in case you missed it I BIG puffy heart love opening my mailbox and receiving a fun little something I was not expecting.  I don’t know about you but I typically open the mailbox to find fliers from businesses, political advertisements and credit card solicitations.  Boring!  Real mail is exciting and just a simple note can seriously make my day.  

Here are my favorite ways to send a little love in the mail!

Thank Yous|| I do not expect thank you notes for the typical gifts I give these days.  It is a nice gesture to recognize when someone honors your birthday, wedding, etc if for not other reason than to make sure the person knows the gift was received.  My favorite thank you notes to write, however, are the ones from the heart thanking someone for a gift they may have not even known they gave you!   The gift of time, a life lesson, a smile at just the right moment.  I love sending a short note to let someone know I appreciate them.  Do you have someone who has crossed your path or been there for you at a turning point that doesn’t even really know the impact that had?  Write them a quick thank you and I promise their smile will be worth it!  

Encouragement||Seriously, there are endless possibilities here.  Have you looked at our world today? Every day someone is struggling and questioning whether or not they are being a great parent, an honorable child, a good co-worker or boss or compassionate teacher.  Be the light in someones day and send a sweet note to let them know they are making a difference!

Pictures||Before social media and digital pictures I often printed pictures and mailed copies to family, especially my grandparents, who I didn’t see very often.  I take this for granted now as I feel I’m constantly sharing but my grandmother is definitely NOT on the computer!  I noticed last week at Walgreens a lady actually hooked her iphone directly to the photo booth and was printing pictures. Really, how long does this take and it could totally make someones day!  Thanks to Michelle at Grammie Time for her post reminding me it is Grandparents Day this coming Sunday!

Gift Cards||College students and young adults too will always, always be grateful if they receive some snail mail that includes a little gift of free food!  Take a minute to write a sweet note and send some love to a college student and I promise they will be stoked!  Of course goodie boxes like this are always a great option too.

Birthdays||Remember when there was no Facebook to remind you of your friends birthday?!  You actually had to write the date down and send a for real card if you wanted them to know they were thought of.  Take a minute to plan at the beginning of the month and send cards to a few friends and let them know you wish them well.  Maybe include a memory or two of some fun you shared in birthdays passed.

Just because||I think a lot of times it’s easy to remember to send a sympathy card when someone has just lost a loved one.  You send the card and then your life moves on but that loss is permanent for that person.  Maybe send a thoughtful note on the one year anniversary or on their loved ones birthday.  Mother’s day, father’s day or really any day of the week to let them know they are on your mind and in  your heart.  I think especially for those who have lost children the one important thing for them to know is that their child has not been forgotten and sending a card shows their memory is alive.

Sweet Surprises||I love, love, love when I find cute little notebooks or a great sale on a fun scarf or just a little simple something that reminds me of a friend.  Seriously it could be as tiny as a magnet that has some fun saying.  I keep small manilla envelopes on hand for this reason in case I find something I can just pop it in the mail and give someone an unexpected boost!

Speaking of super sweet surprises!!  My friend Holly frequently drops sweet surprises in my box and last month on the anniversary of my dad’s death she left me the sweetest cuff from Farmgirl Paints. Lots of history for why she knew that Be Here Now was something that would totally make me smile that day.

I seriously love my Farmgirl cuffs and am super excited to announce I will be promoting her shop as an official “Fangirl” when she opens September 14th through November 2nd!  I know so many of you have asked about my cuffs in the past and here is your chance to design your very own! Bonus….use this code to receive 15% off your purchase!  These make super gifts but I will warn you they are super addictive!  Visit the shop here starting Monday, September 14th.  I will posting all my faves here and on Instagram during the sale as well if you need help deciding on the design.

Use Code fangirlshellyj and receive 15% off!