American Greetings Blog

  • facebook
  • Pinterest
  • twitter
  • instagram

About American Greetings

Here are my most recent posts

The Best New Year’s Resolution For 2019 [Or Ever]

By

Resolve to Reconnect

January 2019 is in full effect, everyone. And you know what that means – everyone is talking about New Year’s resolutions. Lots and lots of “What are your new year goals?“ everywhere. Time to hit the reset button, take inventory, get healthier, time to get organized, right?

We challenge you to try thinking a little outside the box on the whole New Year resolution thing this year. We’ve got a new year’s resolution idea for you that’s truly meaningful – one that could bring you real happiness! And the payoff is even more instant for you than say, hitting the gym or giving up sweets.

Ask yourself — how important is it to you to stay connected with people who mean a lot to you? Can you think of 3 people who come to mind? Well, how about resolving to reconnect with them this year?

We all know life gets in the way, and sometimes it’s just so ridiculously hard to stay connected– because, well… things! And that’s totally okay, because the good news is, it’s never too late! So take the pledge in 2019 – to reconnect with old friends, reconnect with family, your college roommate, a mentor, teacher, or call up an acquaintance you last saw right before a major milestone may have shifted your focus – and get on the path to happiness and well being by improving your relationships!

Don’t worry, we get it. Starting is always the hardest part. But we’ve already thought of that, and now you don’t have to go it alone. We’ve created a place you can visit stocked with ideas that’ll help you get over the most daunting part – resolving to reconnect with people you care about, then taking the first step to do it.

The best way to keep your resolution is to hold yourself accountable. So – go on! Kick off your connecting, with this inspiring free printable pledge that you can hang wherever you’d like, to hold yourself to the promise you made and keep those who have made an impact in your life top of mind in 2019!

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

5 Ways to Brighten Your Spirits If You’re Feeling Lonely at the Holidays

By

5 Ways to Lose the Lonely and Make Your Holiday Happy

“I’ll be home for Christmas…if only in my dreams.” Did you know that holiday classic, recorded by the legendary Bing Crosby in 1943, was originally written to honor soldiers overseas who longed to be home at Christmastime?  While the holidays are all about spending time with family and friends, there are so many people who aren’t able to travel home, or don’t have any place to go during this season, and end up feeling downright lonely in the midst of all the holly jolly.

If you’re feeling a bit like your merry has headed south for the winter, one of the best ways to kick those grinchy feelings to the curb is to engage in certain activities that will get you to reach out to friends and loved ones near and far, as well as the people around you. The antidote to loneliness is connecting, so we’ve rounded up five easy ways to help you do just that. (Warning: these ideas will tend to bring out your inner Cheermeister.)

1. Break out the Skype along with the eggnog. These days, Skype make it so easy to feel like you’re there even when you can’t be. If family is gathering together, or you have friends in another state and you can’t be with them, there’s no need for you to spend the holidays alone. Link up long distance and join the conversation and merriment. Thanks to modern technology, you can still bake those traditional family cookies right along with Mom and Grandma, or catch up with your brother, aunt, or a special friend as you wrap presents together from afar.

Cultivate gratitude and put pen to paper - 5 Ways to Lose the Lonely and Make Your Holiday Happy2. Cultivate gratitude and put pen to paper. It’s well known that expressing gratitude improves your health, so grab a pen and some holiday cards and send some to the people you love and are missing. Thank them for being supportive, for always being able to make you smile, or for those hysterical moments you shared together that you’ll never forget. A fun idea to do for kids or grandkids away at school is to write 12 separate notes or cards for each of the 12 Days of Christmas. You’ll not only be giving them 12 days of fun in their mailbox, but you’ll be creating a great memory, too, for the both of you, while automatically feeling closer. And if you need a nudge to get all the fuzzy feels going, we have ideas for what to write to help get you started. (We also guarantee that you’ll start to feel your heart grow three sizes.)

Warm hands, warm heart: share a cup of cheer - 5 Ways to Lose the Lonely and Make Your Holiday Happy3. Warm hands, warm heart: share a cup of cheer. Research actually suggests that taking a warm bath or having a comforting hot drink like coffee can help counteract feelings of loneliness. Even those ivy leaguers at Yale have found that adults and young children are more social after they’ve touched something warm. So if you can’t sit down with your own family this year, what better reason to ask a neighbor over for coffee? Or meet up with some friends you haven’t seen in a while at your local coffee shop? And while you’re at it, pay it forward and surprise a police officer or bell ringer with a cup, and watch their face light up like a Christmas tree.

4. Volunteer and make someone happy. There’s a saying that goes, “A sure way to be happy is to make someone else happy.” If you’re far away from the people you care about, sharing something, even if it’s with complete strangers, is one of the best things you can do for yourself when you’re feeling down, plus you’ll be immersed in the true spirit of the holiday season. And don’t forget our furry friends, too — local animal shelters are always in need of extra hands, and, like gratitude, animals have a positive effect on heath and can soothe isolated feelings while bringing an overabundance of comfort at the same time.

Focus on what brings you joy - 5 Ways to Lose the Lonely and Make Your Holiday Happy5. Focus on what brings you joy. Doing things you love will help soothe your feelings of loneliness. Whether it’s painting, crafts, baking, being outside, or watching favorite holiday movies, don’t forget to treat yourself to the things that feed your soul. Always watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” with someone who you’re not with this year? Invite a neighbor or someone else you know who may be feeling alone, to watch it with you. Oftentimes, it’s sharing what we love that brings us the most happiness.

As Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street reminds us, “Christmas isn’t just a day; it’s a frame of mind,” and we hope that during the holiday season these ideas will help bridge the distance between you and the people you love, as you find joy in the spaces in-between.

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Gratitude for Family at the Holidays

By

two Christmas cards placed together with tiny mittensWhen we think of the holidays, we think of festive parties and gatherings, snow and cocoa, warm fireside chats, and shopping until we’re weak in the knees. But what we’re constantly circling around is family; our beautiful, often crazy, sometimes drives-us-nuts-but-we-couldn’t-make-it-without-them family. Our families are the heart of our holidays, and whether it’s a feeling of comfort or disappointment when we think of them, they’re the people who love us no matter what, and this is the time to celebrate that love together.

Especially during this month of December, we want to focus on and think about the gratitude we feel for our families, so we’ve asked several people to share their stories and feelings about their own families with us. We hope you’ll be inspired to think about how and why your family fills you with gratitude at this special time of year.

I am grateful my family and home is a happy and healthy place…that we’ve gotten through some hardships and now have jobs and enough money to pay all the bills and enjoy our holiday festivities…that my children have good schools with kind, supportive, and hardworking teachers and staff…that despite the very painful loss of a loved one this year, all of my siblings will soon be together again to laugh and cry – in faith, peace, and love.  Rosanna J.; PA

Since my family lives on opposite coasts, Christmas is the only time we see each other. Some years, weather or travel issues have made it difficult for us to get together, so I’m always grateful when we’re able to all be together and hug each other.   Adam H., California

I love the Christmas season because my grandparents are still around. I feel very fortunate as a 26-year-old to have both my 93 year old grandpa and grandma. They live just down the street, so we do lots of fun things around the holidays. My grandma loves to bake. I’ll go over there a few times throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas to help her make some traditional desserts. My grandpa’s birthday is Christmas Eve. We do a brunch every Christmas Eve with my mom’s side of the family. Christmas Day they all come over to my parents’ house! My grandma is super talented at the piano and will just sit and play Christmas songs for hours! It truly is the best feeling of smelling all the traditional meals and scents of Christmas, the sound of Christmas music from the piano, and all the fun things that happen year after year because they are still around!   Olivia V.; Ohio

My mom just had back surgery and is getting out of the hospital and will be home just in time for Christmas. I’m so relieved her surgery went well, and she’ll be able to be at home with us
because it just wouldn’t be the same without her here.”   Sophie S.; Missouri

I love that my brothers, sisters and I all continue the same St. Nicholas tradition that my parents did for us when we were all growing up. When we get together, everyone shares their stories of how they pulled it off for their children that year, and it’s always a highlight of our gathering. I’ve always been grateful that my parents did something so magical for us as children that it made us all want to carry on the tradition.  Lizabeth M.; Ohio

I’ve always been grateful for my darling Rose’s famous holiday cookies and coffee cake. Oh, the tree might be crooked or maybe a cow got loose and broke through the fence, but those things can never dampen the feeling of entering the house and being greeted by that delicious bakery smell that only my darling Rose can create. We send her goodies across the country each year to all our grandchildren, and they’ll call us as soon as the box arrives. There’s nothing sweeter on earth.   Carl K.; Indiana

I love having my family around at the holidays, because it’s the only chance we have to all get together at the same time. I’m happy my mom is still around to be able to share in this season with us, too. Gina R.; Ohio

My brothers and sisters and I live in different states, but we always try and get together on a day between Christmas and New Year’s. When we’re finally all together, talking and laughing, it always feels like coming home again – that’s the best feeling ever, and I’m grateful for every year I get to feel it.   Carla R.; Pennsylvania

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Best Gifts Ever (And How To Be The Best Gift Giver Ever)

By

Best gift ever

Let’s take a moment to think about holidays past. Have you ever said out loud, “BEST GIFT EVER!”

When you said it, were you the giver of the gift… or the receiver?

If you were the gift giver, you may recall the excitement and anticipation of finding something just perfect for your recipient, and the joy you felt making their wish come true. Just what is it about giving gifts that creates happiness in all of us?

Well, there’s actually a thing behind it! Neurological, behavioral and psychological studies report that our brains react just as positively giving gifts… as receiving them. Turns out your brain may light up just the way their face does when they open it! So yep, it’s really a thing! No wonder it’s the season of joy. And, now we know where the phrase “‘tis better to give and to receive” comes from!

If you were the recipient of that best Christmas gift ever, or that best Kwanzaa or best Hanukkah gift ever, think about the joy you felt when you opened it. Maybe it made you emotional. Maybe it made you cry. Or, smile a perma-smile. Now think back to why the gift was so special to you. This holiday season, how about reminding the person who gave it to you how important it still is to you? What better way to spread holiday cheer?

We can all agree – the best gifts ever are those that reflect things that are most meaningful to your someone special. The perfect gift is a reflection of their personality, sense of humor, what they believe in, think, or love. If you’re stuck on what to give someone this year, we’ve got some great Christmas gift ideas if you need a little help this season.

A Few of Our Favorite Feels

In this season of joy, here are some of our fave “best gift ever” stories from this holiday season. Spoiler alert –  they’ll pull on your heartstrings a little bit. (And notice, none are ties, socks, or handbags.) They’re gifts based in love and sharing, in experience, memory making, and connection. That’s exactly what this season of joy is all about, after all.

Frame-Worthy Feelings  

My daughter loves the water. When she was four, she asked my husband to print out a picture of her and I at the beach on vacation. Three months later during the holidays, she brought out a very special present for me that my husband knew nothing about. When I opened the very thoughtfully wrapped box with a bow she tied herself (almost), I discovered a frame decorated with shells she collected, framing the picture of us from that vacation. My husband did not know anything of her creative little secret, and I cry when I think of how good she did keeping it all on her own!  ~Sylvia P, NY

Gifts That Keep On Giving Goodies

I received box of treasured family recipes from my mother handed down by my great-grandmother, through four generations. The box included about 20 handwritten recipes from generations of women in my family, explaining why each person loved the recipe they contributed, and memories of the meals that went along with each one. What an amazing way to preserve tradition!   ~Jill J, OH

Music To My Years

The best gift I ever received was a play six string guitar from my parents when I was seven. I asked Santa for it for 3 years in a row! Who knew it would come to shape who I am as a musician today, and would be a part of time spent with so many others who share my faith.   ~Ron T, CA

Memories on Track

When I was six, my father and I set up a train set in our attic. It was just the two of us, so that time was really special. As I grew older, I played with it less and less. But when I was twelve, I received a thoughtful Christmas gift from my father I’ll never forget – a Lionel 8800 Steam engine. This was no ordinary engine. It was die-cast metal, and I knew how much time it took him to find it, driving all around the city (pre-internet). I learned only later that he was very ill that year. Now, when I set up the train during the holidays it reminds me of these special times we shared when he was alive, and the loving effort he took to find it.   ~Sean W, OH

As you can see – there’s a common thing that runs through all of these – thoughtful gifts that began with a little bit of forethought, an idea that’s unique to the recipient, and each delivered lasting memories or a reminder of time shared.

This holiday season, if you open up a present and say “BEST GIFT EVER”… consider yourself lucky. Because someone obviously really cares about you. And isn’t it nice to know they’re just as happy watching you open it?

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Ways to Recognize Loss During the Holidays

By

Pine tree with Christmas lights in the snowThe tree is trimmed and twinkling, all the gifts are beautifully wrapped and the table is set for dinner. Yet it still feels like something is missing, despite all the season’s cheer. Those who’ve lost a loved one know this feeling all too well, and they may be looking for ways to find comfort by honoring those who have passed. Friends and family of the grieving might not know what to say or how they can help. But there are many ways to remember, to celebrate life and to show support.

Michelle Persichetti of Columbus, Ohio has experience coping with grief during the holidays. Michelle lost two loved ones around Christmas—her father and her uncle, both suddenly and unexpectedly.

“It’s a strange feeling with grief because there’s a lot of support at the beginning, as there should be,  and then people go on with their lives, as they should,” says Michelle. “But you’re still dealing with the loss.”

Michelle believes that words are the most powerful way to show kindness and support to someone who is grieving, whether it’s a phone call, a text or a handwritten note. But sometimes, if you’re afraid to open wounds that have started to heal, it can be hard to send that text or mail that card. Instead of avoiding the loss or acting like it didn’t happen, remember that for those who have lost someone close, it’s always on their mind. The loss is a part of them.

Every year, Michelle memorializes her uncle by writing a thoughtful reflection, sometimes posting it on Facebook. Last time she did so, Michelle’s aunt texted her to tell her that she had just read Michelle’s words at her uncle’s gravestone.

“You never know when your words are helping someone,” says Michelle. “… If you’re afraid to approach someone who’s gone through something like this, don’t be, because they’ve already been through a lot of hardship, so your words can be healing.”

To honor her father, who passed away the day after Christmas, she and her family take a trip to Cleveland each year.

“My dad loved his church,” Michelle says. “It’s in downtown Cleveland, and we go there the Sunday after Christmas every year and go to Little Italy and celebrate his life.”

If you’re struggling to cope with grief this holiday season, here are some suggestions for remembering and honoring those who have passed:

  1. Light a candle for loved ones lost. White candles are associated with healing and remembrance, so they’re especially nice to honor those who have passed.
  2. Go to their favorite place of worship. Even if you don’t practice the same religion, it can be comforting to feel a spiritual connection with your lost loved one in the place where they found solace and celebrated their faith.
  3. Bring the holiday spirit to them. Gather some holiday joy and take it to their resting place. You could leave them poinsettias, cut flowers, a wreath, or even a little porcelain snowman trinket.
  4. Serve their signature dish as part of your holiday feast. Whether it’s Grandma’s candied yams, your brother’s green bean casserole or Auntie’s pineapple upside-down cake, find comfort in their favorite recipes.
  5. Save them a place. Leave a seat for them at the table, with a place-setting and maybe even a photo to honor their memory.
  6. Make a toast. Celebrate their lifetime achievements or share a favorite memory around the dinner table. Cheers!
  7. Make an ornament to honor them. You could even incorporate a photo of them into an homemade ornament. As you hang it on the tree, invite your loved ones to gather around the tree to celebrate their life.
  8. Story time. Brew some tea or make some hot cocoa and find a cozy spot to gather and tell your favorite stories from when they were alive. Take turns telling funny stories that make you laugh until you cry a little.
  9. Watch and listen. Dust off their old copy of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and pop it in the DVD player, or put on that old “Christmas Songs by Sinatra” record.
  10. Be thankful. Spend time with family and friends, and be grateful for their love.

However you choose to honor your lost loved ones, remember that you are not alone. There are others who are experiencing that same feeling. Whether it’s another family member, a friend, or even a coworker. Reach out to them. Show up for them. Find comfort together.  

Brought to you by M. Sophie Franchi. Sophie is a mother and a writer. She is also Managing Editor at The Devil Strip, a free alt-monthly arts and culture print magazine published in Akron, Ohio.

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Connecting with Grandparents

By

Grandparents Day - Grandparents taking grandchildren for a walk in the park.

The relationship between grandparent and grandchild is precious in so many different ways. But how well do we really know them?

Today’s kids might find it hard to believe that their grandparents (and likely even you) grew up without common luxuries like smart phones, laptops, and GPS. This generational divide, coupled with distance and time, can make it a little harder for your kids to connect with your parents. But it can also serve as a great conversation-starter and relationship-builder.

As we celebrate Grandparents Day, we felt the timing was perfect to put together a list of ideas that will help your kids bridge the generational gap and make meaningful connections with their grandparents—and even you with your own grandparents.

Grandma and Grandpa 101

What better way to get to know Grandma and Grandpa than a one-on-one interview? Have your kids think of questions they’ve always wanted to know about their grandparents, and encourage them to ask about their lives as kids.

While one’s life history certainly can never fit into a single discussion, these questions may very well spark some ideas to get your grandparents talking about one special era of their life, whether it be childhood dreams, school experiences, or becoming parents and grandparents.

Ideas include:

• What did you want to be when you grew up?
• Did you have a nickname?
• Who was your childhood best friend?
• What kinds of games did you play growing up? Did you have a favorite toy?
• What is your favorite song?
• How did you two meet?

These simple questions can be not only a lot of fun, but informative and eye-opening as well.

You could even help your kiddos turn this activity into a mini project by documenting each question and answer and decorating a scrapbook full of photos and memories. (Hint: this would make a great gift for the grandparents!)

Visit the Old Stomping Grounds

Our hometowns are very much a part of who we are today. Although they grow and change, we can still find parts of ourselves in familiar places.

Have your parents give your kids a glimpse into what their childhood was like. If your mom and dad’s hometowns are relatively local, have them take your kids on a car ride to where they grew up. This could be a drive by their respective childhood homes, stopping for a bite to eat at their favorite restaurant, or seeing where they used to hang out.

Pen Pal Project

We may be biased, but we think handwriting cards and letters is still alive and well. Sure, texting is great, but cards and letters give us something tangible to hold on to and cherish for years. (And who doesn’t love getting snail mail from someone special?)

Have your child start writing letters to Grandma and Grandpa. Maybe each letter or card exchange follows a theme. For example, each of you has to describe your dream vacation—where it’d be, who you’d go with, and what you’d do.

Another fun variation of this idea is to create a bundle of Open When cards. Both grandparents and grandkids will look forward to opening cards with personalized messages throughout the year.

A Grandmother and Grandfather sharing the laptop computer to get in touch with family and connect.

Video Chat Dates

Schedules fill up and distance can keep us from seeing our loved ones as often as we’d like. Keep the lines of communication open by scheduling a weekly video chat date between your kid(s) and their grandparents. Just like the pen pal idea, these chats can have a different theme each week, or they can use it as a chance just to catch up.

Grandparents Day - A Grandparent with grandchildren enjoying time cooking together, laughing and sharing smiles.

Bon Appétit!

They say cooking feeds the soul, but you don’t need to be Julia Child to appreciate spending some quality time in the kitchen. Cooking with someone you love is a great way to make lasting memories, so grab an apron and whip up your favorite recipes with your grandma or grandpa.

Is there a recipe he or she loves most? A meal they especially enjoy making? Swap ideas or even experiment with different ingredients to come up with a new recipe that’s completely your own.

Keeping Their Memory Alive

If you or your children no longer have grandparents, consider doing something to honor their memory, whether it’s thumbing through an old photo album, recounting your favorite stories of them, or quietly remembering them in a spot they once loved.

No matter how your children nurture their relationship with their grandparents, it’s vital that they (and you) seize the opportunity while they can. Quality time, good communication, and love are what it’s all about!

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

5 Tips for Connecting With Your Middle Schooler (Plus free coloring pages!)

By

Coloring book pages

Got a middle schooler? We feel you! And they’re feeling everything. Puberty isn’t just kicking things up a notch; it’s kicking everything completely off the charts, leaving you trying to connect with them as best as you can, while simultaneously parenting from the sidelines.

Though you might be feeling like you’ve suddenly taken a back seat in their lives, feeling a bit ‘uncool,’ irrelevant or uninfluential, it’s well known that this is a time when tweens and teens actually need a strong parental connection more than ever. But how do you give them the space they desire, yet still show up for them without your helicopter? No worries.

We interviewed one of the magical moms we know, Christine Rich, who’s currently navigating those stormy middle school waters. Find out how she’s able to maintain valuable connections with her kids in this digital age and learn how parents can give their kids the distance they crave while still being a main influencer in their lives.

The struggle is real.

You’re in the thick of it. You have a middle-schooler. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as a parent in balancing advice and fun?

Christine: My daughter’s turning 14 this summer and I remember that age so well. Everything feels so intense and sometimes the best thing I can do for her is give her space to process her feelings, which can be really hard because I think as parents our natural inclination is to fix it, help them, and dole out unsolicited parental wisdom. However, left to her own devices (literally) she would lock herself away in her room with her phone and laptop all day. Sitting in one’s room for 7 hours binge watching The Office (while I fully understand the appeal) isn’t about processing feelings — it’s a form of avoidance.

Spend bits of time with your middle schooler to strengthen communication - Mommy Daughter Dates.

In terms of balancing advice and fun…personally, as parent, I don’t think those things have to be mutually exclusive. The key to me getting through to my daughter in a way that doesn’t feel like “forced family fun” is to spend small bits of time together doing something she likes. One thing that’s worked since she was little is something we call Mommy/Daughter Dates — or MDDs as we refer to them now.

Keeping the cool factor in check! 

How do you keep from sounding like a nagging parent, yet still advise them in a way they’ll accept? When did you first have that feeling of being ‘uncool’ and how did you deal with it?

Christine: A few weeks ago my daughter asked me to drive her and some friends to the movies. Two of the friends were boys — eek! My daughter begged me not to embarrass her or basically speak whatsoever. I promised her I’d be on my best behavior because a.) I wanted to check these boys out for myself and b.) I wanted her to know she can depend on me to be involved in little moments like her first “double date” even though she swore up and down that’s NOT what this was. (Ya, right.)

How did you let go and allow for some distance? What did you realize about your child and yourself?

Christine: Once all the kids were piled in my car, I realized that moment was an opportunity for both of us to gain each other’s trust. She saw that I could be trusted not to sing along to what they referred to as “old school Justin Timberlake” and I saw that she could be trusted to spend 120 minutes in a movie theatre alone with her friends. (Although, it literally took everything in me not to sneak in the back of the theatre and spy on them!)

 

You Are Loved Coloring Book Page

Be Kind coloring book page

Imagine coloring book page

Think happy thoughts coloring book page

 

Feelings aren’t facts

Some of the things you hear as a parent may not always reflect what they’re really feeling; they DO love you – you know they do. What do you commonly hear from your middle schooler that you hadn’t heard before, and how do you respond? How do you help them navigate their moods?

Christine: Something I didn’t realize until I became the parent of a teenager is that it’s really hard not to take what they say when they are mad/frustrated/upset/disappointed to heart. I try to recognize that what she’s going through isn’t about me and how it makes me feel — it’s about her. She still needs to have respect — but what I’ve found is that when anyone of any age is behaving poorly, it typically has nothing to do with me and everything to do with what they are going through at that moment. Maybe having a bad hair day seems like small potatoes to me now, but to a 13 year old it can literally ruin an entire morning. The hardest moments are when I know something is going on with her friends and she won’t open up. I have to give her the space, be patient and let her know I am here when she’s ready to open up. That’s typically when I ask her on a MDD.

Coping not moping – connecting and staying credible

Can you share some tips on keeping your communication and connection with your child strong (and yourself, too!) without being overbearing? What are some things you do to connect in a meaningful way?

Parenting middle schoolers - do fun activities together

Christine: Doing something together one-on-one tends to open the door to impromptu conversations and she seems more receptive because there are no other distractions. MDD’s (the Mommy/Daughter dates I mentioned earlier), usually include grabbing coffee together, playing her favorite card game on the back porch, and especially coloring or hand lettering at the kitchen table. The time together feels special and it’s in those micro moments when she opens up to me most.  It’s just the two of us, jamming to her Spotify playlist, and talking things out. As a parent, you can never underestimate the power of your undivided attention.

Pleasant surprises…why it’s all worth it!

What surprised you as you navigated the middle school years? Was there a positive pivotal or touching moment that stands out?

Christine: It was during that moment when I drove my daughter and her friends to the movies. What surprised the heck out of me was when I dropped them off. My beautiful, smart, fiercely independent daughter (in front of her friends) leaned in and kissed me goodbye without hesitation.  “Bye ma — thanks for driving us!” That was a Mama-Mic-Drop-Moment for me and a small thing I will never forget.

***

We hope Christine’s experiences and tips help you maintain a meaningful connection with your own middle schooler through these challenging years, in addition to making you realize you are so not alone. (And on a side note – you’re still way cool.)

Don’t forget to download your free coloring pages with links below! (Even us adults swoon over a good, relaxing coloring session, right?) From toddlers to teens, these inspiring words and beautiful images are perfect as your child gets ready for the next school year (and are great for posting on the fridge or decorating their lockers!) Color them with your kids to share some priceless time together.

You Are Loved :  Be Kind : Imagine : Think Happy Thoughts

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Meaningful Summer Printable Print

By

07312017_AG_FBLINK_Aug-Printable-Print
Here we are in the heat of summer – floating in a sea of freshly-made memories or anxiously awaiting the ones that lie just around the bend in the lazy, hazy, sunshiny days ahead. In either case, we’re all grabbing hold of all of the meaningful moments that come our way and focusing on what matters – the people in our lives we care about.

That inspired us to share something one of our amazing designers hand-lettered for us – a quote to remind us all summer long to spend time with those we love – and it’s a free printable! It makes a beautiful framed piece to hang in your living room, dining room, bedroom, dorm room – anyplace where you’ll see it each day and be reminded and inspired by the people you love and the moments and memories you share together.

Be sure to pop over to our Instagram page to see the video and watch how all of these hand-lettered pieces caome to life.

We wish you lots more meaningful, colorful, happy summer memories!

07312017_AG_IG_Aug-Printable-Print2

Download and print 8×10

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Printable Summer Quotes

By

Making a meaningful summer with sliced watermelon background

Blue skies. Warm sunshine. Gentle, swaying breezes. Summer’s such a beautiful time of year, isn’t it? Yet with the many demands of our busy lives, we may all be just a little guilty of forgetting that we can make it as fun and rewarding as we want to. The most important thing to remember is to give meaning to what really matters: relationships, not activities or events. So let’s rediscover the true joys of this season all over again — together. Plus, to help spread Summer Joy, we have beautiful, printable summer quotes you can cut out and leave for others, or use for your as your own inspirational reminders to soak in the season!

How to Make a Meaningful Summer with Kids

The secret here is to avoid just absentmindedly and randomly making a list of things to do. Instead, plan your activities thoughtfully and with purpose. Be sure to actively involve your kids, and find out what’s most important to them as well. Some sample questions to ask them: “What do you think would be a fun thing for us to do together this summer and why?” “If you could imagine the best summer adventure in the world, what would it be?” “What can we do to make a difference?” Here are a few fun examples to spark an idea of your own:

  • Learn something new. Share an experience that’s both novel and interactive. Ask your child if there’s something they’ve always wanted to try and maybe never had the courage to do. What a great way to discuss feelings of insecurity, how to handle life’s challenges, and satisfaction of accomplishment. Just having you there may be all the encouragement they need to get past their comfort zone.
  • Volunteer for a worthy cause. Work side-by-side helping others while discussing the importance of giving back. Do some crafts with the elderly in a nursing home. Walk a dog at an animal shelter. Or offer popsicles to the garbage truck workers in your neighborhood. You may even make a few new friends along the way.
  • Nurture relationships. Who do your kids want to spend more quality time with and get to know better? And why? Talk to them about the importance of relationships, whether it’s with their cousins, grandparents, or next-door neighbor. Then coordinate the visits and discuss afterwards.

How to Make a Meaningful Summer with Friends

This is all about spending quality time with your BFFs. That means stowing away cell phones and carving out time for lots of personal interaction. Take a day off work. Heck, take off a whole week of vacation and do something serendipitous. We like to call it “deliberate fun.” Here are some suggestions to get you started on your own brainstorming:

  • Get personal. Instead of just “liking” the social media posts and photos of friends you haven’t seen in a while, take the time to actually call or visit them. Try doing this on a regular basis, and you’ll soon see how special you make each of them feel.
  • Go unplugged. Pick an activity to do with your friends (liking eating out, going bowling, or hiking trails) and leave all electronics behind. Focus on your friends and give them your undivided attention. Bonus: Have your friends do the same.
  • Make it “write.” There’s nothing quite as meaningful as a handwritten note, letter, or card from a friend. Get out your pen and rekindle an old friendship, or strengthen a new one.

How to Make a Meaningful Summer for Yourself

We all need some alone time once in a while. And summer is the perfect excuse to wind down and enjoy yourself — by yourself. Forget the errands and chores. They can wait. You can’t. This is your time. Make the most of it.

  • Research your roots. If you’ve always wanted to find out more about your family history, now’s the time to do it. Reach out to family members who can fill in the gaps. You may even discover relatives you never knew you had! Your next family reunion will be that much bigger.
  • Take some time just for you.  Start the day with a nature walk to set a calm mood and take plenty of deep breaths to drink in your surroundings. Read a book, or write in a journal. Watch your favorite movie, or catch up on some much-needed sleep. Take the day to revisit yourself and see how refreshing some true “me time” can be.

We hope this helps you in planning to make it a meaningful summer this year, no matter who you’re with! To make it even a bit more fun and exciting, here are some super-cute summer quotes we’ve created just for you. Download and print today. use the blank notes to fill in activities or ideas you want to accomplish this season. Happy summer, everyone!

Printable Summer Quotes

Printable Summer Quotes

 

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Hello, Summer! (Free Desktop/Mobile Backgrounds)

By

 

Summer is here! And along with sunny days and warmer weather, the summer months also have a number of fun holidays to celebrate. Be sure to mark your calendars for:

Donut Day – June 2; Best Friends Day – June 8; Flip Flop Day – June 16; Father’s Day – June 18; First Day of Summer – June 21; Take Your Dog to Work Day – June 23; Independence Day – July 4; National Ice Cream Day – July 16; Cousins Day – July 24; Girl Friends Day – August 1; and Sister’s Day and Friendship Day – August 6.

Another great way to kickoff summer is with this cute popsicle background for your desktop or mobile phone. Enjoy!

Summer background download

2560×1440 / 1680×1050 / 1440×900 / 1280×800 / Mobile Background 

Click here for directions on how to change your backgrounds.

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Father’s Day: best advice from Dad

By

Dads come in all shapes and sizes, and that superhero cape fits them all. One of their superpowers has always been to give good advice, even if we didn’t realize in the moment just how dang good the advice was. But boy…do we now. (Thanks, Dad!)

What advice from your dad do you remember most?

If you plan to give your dad or father-in-law a card this Father’s Day, whether it’s to say thanks or just to let them know that you think they’re pretty great, we can hook you up with some ideas for what to write that will make their day.

And if it’s a gift you’re searching for, like a series of surprises to open at a later date or finding ways to spend quality time together, let this gift guide be your compass.

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

How to make Hygge happen in spring

By

(And share it with those you love)

A cozy Hygge place shown with soft blankets, warm coffee, the glow of candlelight and a good book.

Maybe you’ve heard of it. Or maybe you’re thinking, “hy-what?” Either way, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced hygge.

It’s pronounced HOO-ga. (Not quite what you were expecting, right?) Hygge is the Scandinavian philosophy of comfort and coziness. It’s not just a word; it’s a way of life, a sense of togetherness and connectedness – known all too well by the people of Denmark who are considered the happiest people in the world despite the region’s long, dark winters.

So, is it only a cold weather thing? Heck, no. “Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things,” writes Meik Wiking, author of “The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living.” “It is about being with the people we love.” It can be the smell of spring, a mug of hot cocoa by the fireside, reading a great book, the feeling you get from connecting to something meaningful, and especially spending time with your favorite people.

As spring brings new blooms and warmth from the sun we can all appreciate – what better time to create and connect with your happy place and share some hygge with those you love? We’ll get you started with some ideas you can do with a friend, your child, your partner, or even just for yourself.

Hygge with your friend

A tray holding a candle and friendship plant to remind you of your time together picking out a plant.

  • Share a pot of ‘thank you’ tea.
    Pick an afternoon or early evening, simmer some relaxing tea, and show a friend your gratitude by giving them your undivided attention and sharing good conversation (sans cell phones).
  • Hike and a fire.
    The smell of the earth as spring begins and the scent of wood smoke curling in the air are two of our favorite smells of all time. Experience the best of both by heading off for a hike then unwinding fireside afterwards. #awesomeday
  • From cyberspace to your space.
    Get those pics off of your phone and up on your wall. (They can’t make you smile hiding in a cloud.) Choose your faves and frame them up so you’re reminded every day of those priceless moments and the friends that made them happen.
  • Brunch via video.
    Let’s face it, sometimes you just don’t want to get out of bed on the weekend to meet your wolfpack for brunch. So change it up – leave the pj’s on and have everyone brunch via video chat. This is especially cool if you’ve got friendly faces in faraway places – coffee talk with friends is the ultimate, especially when you can stay in your bunny slippers.
  • Share a friendship plant.
    Next time you’re together, head to the local garden center and pick out a plant for each other or buy the same one. Now you’ll have a super springtime reminder of your friend as you watch your plant thrive and flourish. (Just like friendship. ‘wink’)

Hygge with your child

A DIY craft made with yarn and a paper plate with hygge design elements.

  • Decorate their room with this cheerful homemade yarn craft.
    The design of hygge is all about clean shapes and earthy color palettes, but it’s the together time in creating this piece that counts the most. This yarn craft is the perfect thing to make to hang in your child’s room, so grab some yarn and craft a memory.
  • Plant garden seeds and watch them grow.
    Have the kids create the space where they play. Purchase some seeds of their choice and help plant them in the yard so they can watch their handiwork bloom through the spring.
  • Press flowers.
    Take a walk with your child to gather nature’s gems and jewels then press them in pages to frame, or string them up. It’s a great way to bring spring indoors to decorate your space, as well as create a priceless memory.
  • Create a hyggekrog (or nook) in a sunny window spot.
    Gather your child’s favorite cozy blankets and pillows for the perfect togetherness space where you can get lost in your favorite books.
  • Bring the inside out.
    Lay down a blanket in the yard and keep your eyes to the skies – what shapes do you see in the clouds? At night, point out constellations and keep a lookout for shooting stars. Since the air may still be a bit chilly at night, be sure to layer up before you look up.

Hygge with your partner

3 cards with warm wishes - huggable sweetness, sending a huggle and sharing good times together.

  • Massage and a movie.
    Get those sheets off the bed and onto the floor for you and your partner to have a good old fashioned slumber party in the comfort of your home. Get your lineup of movies going and take turns giving back massages for the ultimate in entertainment relaxation.
  • Build something together.
    What would be spring without a little cleaning and a small (or big) renovation project?
    Roll up your sleeves and dig into that ‘room re-do’ or list of repairs that you both keep saying you’ll get around to. This stuff is always more fun with two.
  • Print those pics – and frame them!
    Nothing says home like your own memories right in front of your eyes. What an awesome reminder of all the special moments and people you have in your life.
  • Toast to togetherness.
    Uncork a bottle of wine and every time you ‘cheers,’ say out loud two things you’re grateful for. Not only are those grapes giving you a little health kick, but expressing gratitude boosts your heart and mental health as well. (Clink, clink!)
  • Make a nursery date – to refresh your home.
    Spend an afternoon together picking out fragrant flowers and eye-catching plants to give your home a fresh, spring feeling. Not only can plants totally bring out the personality of a space, but they also help clean the air in your home, so your lungs also get a good dusting with every breath. Ahh…

Hygge yourself

A warm phrase illustrated beautifully and available in a free download for your daily hygge inspiration.

Click here or on the image above for the free printable phrase.

  • Set up your writing space.
    Create a space where you keep cards, notes, stamps, etc. and designate that area for your card and letter writing to connect with friends and family. When you have a specific place set aside to do this, you’ll see how easy and natural it is to make sure your best intentions make it to the mailbox…and straight to their hearts. If you need some inspiration on what to write inside a card, we have a whole lot of that for you here.
  • Let the light in.
    With spring arriving, the daylight is deliciously lingering longer and longer, so head to your favorite feel-good store and pick out some fresh new curtains that filter more light into your space, creating a cheery, warm atmosphere.
  • Frame your favorite phrase (or this printable).
    What phrase or quote inspires you every time you read it? Print it out in a cool font, frame it, and hang in your home for that daily dose of inspiration. Or go ahead and download this one we created to remind yourself to connect with others in a meaningful way.
  • Meditate, rotate, repeat.
    Rotate your relaxation or meditation practice from indoors to outdoors to maximize your connection to nature and refresh your body and spirit. Namaste.
  • Splurge on what makes you smile.
    Every now and then you just gotta have that thing that brings you joy. Allow yourself that special purchase. New couch? Pretty bedspread? That metal chicken holding a daisy that makes you think of your mom? Get it. Having something in your surroundings that makes you smile and feel good will make your space even more enjoyable to be in, and better yet – those good vibes will stick to you when you head out the door, too.

At the end of the day, hygge is all about gratitude, sharing, and the pursuit of happiness. Now that’s an idea we can all get behind.

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Keepsakes from my kids

By

Keepsakes From My Kids by Kathy Davis

It’s almost Mother’s Day again and that means that the lucky moms among us are likely to receive delightful greeting cards, sentimental gifts, maybe even some handmade tokens of love. And if you’re like me, you’ll have a hard time ever parting with these precious keepsakes.

I used to save EVERYTHING — my own dear mother dubbed me a “pack rat” — especially when it came from my kids! And now that my Ben and Katie are all grown up, these saved memories are especially poignant.

It’s hard to think of anything that means more to us than receiving cards from our children. The beautiful artwork and sentiments touch our hearts, making us feel loved and appreciated.

A heart cut out of paper and finger painted by a child makes a great keepsake for mom.

If you’re as sentimental as I am, you might enjoy re-reading these heartfelt messages more than once through the years. Keeping greeting cards tucked away in a safe place allows us revisit those warm feelings whenever we need to, especially when we’re having a bad day.

Words really do mean everything. They get to the truth of how we feel about the people we love. (If you need help with what to write in a Mother’s Day card for your own mother, you can find some helpful suggestions here.)

In addition to greeting cards, I also saved report cards, photos from every grade in school, art masterpieces, scrapbooks from family vacations, even old Christmas lists the kids made for Santa. And then there are the handmade gift items — crafts made in school, macaroni necklaces, clay pots and trinket boxes.  All of these are such sweet reminders of those days that passed all too fast.

A vintage picture of Kathy Davis with her children when they were young.

One of my personal favorite mementos is a sticky note I found on my desk many years ago. As a single mom, I had just started my own design business working from a drawing table in the corner of my bedroom. My kids watched me put in long hours juggling family and the demands of my new enterprise. So my daughter, Katie, surprised me with the most thoughtful message!

A keepsake for mom - a handmade card from her child

Katie’s note was a touching reminder for me. A reminder to enjoy each and every day… and not take things too seriously. I taped that note to the front of my planner where it remained for many years.

I still need this same reminder today. I think we all do.

Now that my daughter is a mom herself, she is passing on her thoughtfulness to her 20-month-old son, Sam.  So far, I have received a Christmas reindeer made from Sam’s footprint and a finger-painted Valentine heart. Can’t wait to see what kind of treat Mother’s Day brings! Now that I am a grandmother, I get to start saving treasures from the next generation, too.

Kids keepsakes for mom - footprint reindeer from child

Moms, I hope you treasure each keepsake from your kids and every happy memory from the years that fly by too fast!

And as my daughter Katie would remind you, “Relax and enjoy today.”

Happy Mother’s Day!

All My Best,

Kathy

A family photo of Kathy Davis and her family.

For 28 years, Kathy Davis has been the trusted voice of heartfelt connection. We can always count on her for the right words to offer comfort, share joy and celebrate life’s moments, big and small, which is why she continues to be a great friend and content partner.

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Honoring another side of Mother’s Day

By

Bereaved Mother's Day - May 8th - clasped hands offering support

How do we celebrate Mother’s Day? Brunches with fresh fruit and quiche and tulip centerpieces. Flowerpots overflowing with begonias to be planted. Ceramic handprint trinkets made for Mama. Cute little photos of cute little faces placed carefully in the center of heart-shaped paintings, kept in a folder to look at years later when the kids are all grown up.

Yet, there’s another side to Mother’s Day that we often overlook: the many women who are unable to have children and those mothers who have lost their children, always much too soon — sometimes before they get to see a first smile or hear a first laugh, other times after they’ve memorized every hair and freckle — but always much too soon.

Diana Stone is the Editor-In-Chief at Still Standing Magazine, an online magazine that focuses on “giving a voice to grief, connecting hearts around the world who have similar life experiences” and “becoming a resource for friends, family and medical professionals, to know how to support someone enduring child loss and/or infertility.”

Diana is an amazingly strong mother. She has two daughters, ages 8 and 2. She also has three sons, Preston, Julian and Kaden, who all passed away after they were born in 2012 and 2013.

She remembers being a little girl in church on Mother’s Day and watching as women stood to receive a flower for each child they had.

“As a girl, I had no idea the pain this must have caused some of the women sitting or who stood only to receive the number of flowers of their living children,” says Diana.

In 2010, people around the world began to recognize these women with their own special day. Bereaved Mother’s Day  takes place each year on the Sunday before traditional Mother’s Day. On this day, we honor the women who have experienced the heartbreak of losing a child, or infertility – and who may be experiencing Mother’s Day grief.

But while society has made a lot of progress with recognition of bereaved parents, many people still don’t know how to handle others’ grief. It can feel uncomfortable, and there’s a sense of uncertainty about what to say or do for those who are grieving. Unfortunately, that uncertainty often leads to silence or avoidance where there could be compassion and empathy.

“Bereaved Mother’s Day holds a special place in many of our hearts because it is a day set aside to honor many women who may have never been publicly called ‘Mother,’ who always see child(ren) missing as their others play, and who feel someone is gone in a packed room when no one else may even know,” says Diana. “As a mother with only two of my five children living, it’s always been an important day for me because it gives me a reason to share about my other children. I know we shouldn’t ‘need’ a reason, but many of us do. We aren’t able to post updates or share their funny stories, so this is one day set aside for the memories we so very much wish we could still be making with them.”

People who are aware of Bereaved Mother’s Day might not know what to say or how they can show up for their loved ones who experience this day.

How can we show them that we care? How can we recognize their loss and acknowledge what they are going through in a sensitive and meaningful way?

What we say and do matters most in our relationships with women who experience this day. The best thing you can do for them is to show them how much you care by communicating it to them.

“First, if someone is reading this and [thinks], ‘Yes — how do I show this support?’ Thank you. Thank you for wanting to show us you care, because that means so much,” says Diana.

She says it can be as simple as saying, ”I don’t know exactly what to say, but I do want you to know I remember and am thinking of you, especially today.” She stresses that if their child had a name, you should use it.

How else can we show support during this time of intense emotion? You could call them, ask if they would like to talk about it over tea. Send flowers or a card to simply say you’re thinking of them. Offer your time and company.

Bereaved Mother's Day - offering support over a cup of tea

“If you are able to do something, please don’t say, ‘Let me know if I can do something’ — just do it,” says Diana. “Let them know you’ll be dropping off dessert, send them a memory necklace, write them a letter.”

Diana encourages bereaved parents to connect with others who are going through the same thing, so they can also find encouragement and support from those who know what that feels like.

“If you have lost a child, know there are thousands of us out there who know each and every emotion you are walking through,” she says. “Reach out to a community online or in person for support and help. We wish we weren’t part of this, but since we are, most of us just want to make sure no one else ever walks this alone.”

Diana suggests that those who haven’t experienced the loss of a child take this opportunity on Bereaved Mother’s Day to learn how to support those who have. Mamas need to know that friends, family and especially other mamas have their backs — especially when the absolute worst thing possible happens and a child’s life is lost. In those most painful times, and in the lifetime ahead, it means everything for a loving and compassionate community to show up in support of the grieving.

Even if you’re not getting along or you’ve lost touch, try to show up anyway. Imagine how much it could mean to someone to know that even though you don’t talk much anymore, you are thinking of them and their struggle.

“It can be a conversation starter and a healing place with a rocky relationship,” Diana says. “You may be the only person who has asked about their child or said their child’s name in a very long time.”

We all know it’s important to keep our relationships close. And it can mean so much to someone when we express our thoughtful support for them.

“Mother’s Day is a beautiful day and a very hard day all wrapped into one, and I think Bereaved Mother’s Day gently honors the intent while asking our society to simply consider another truth in many lives,” Diana says. “It’s a reminder that a mother may look completely different from someone you see with her hands full of little ones or the grandmother surrounded by grandchildren.“

Remember, honoring someone can be a simple as being brave enough to have a difficult conversation, and showing up for them is any way you can, no matter what. At the end of the day, being there for the people who matter most means everything.

You may even choose to write what you feel down in a simple note they may choose to keep and read whenever they need support. For some ways you can get started, we have invited writers who have talked with so many who have experienced grief and loss to share their insights here.

Read on to see more hearts connecting and helpful insights about the other, less visible sides of Mother’s Day.

See Diana’s story on Still Standing Magazine’s website to learn more about her.

A portrait of Diana Stone, Editor-in-Chief of Standing Still, Bereaved Mother's Day - May 8

Diana Stone is the Editor-in-Chief of Still Standing. We’re so grateful she has shared her story and mission with us.

 

Bereaved Mother's Day - May 8 - pink roses on a gray hardwood backdrop

 

Article written by Sophie Franchi. Sophie is a mother, a writer, an editor and a thinker. In 2016, she graduated from The University of Akron, where she earned a BA in English with a minor in Creative Writing. She’s also a bartender at HiHO Brewing Company, where she first developed a love for IPAs. She is the former Managing Editor of The Devil Strip, the alt-monthly arts and culture magazine based Akron, Ohio. She loves Akron with a whole lot of her heart.

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

How to address an envelope

By

How to address envelopes correctly

You know how good it feels to find something in your mailbox other than a bill or an ad for windows? Well, just about everyone else feels that way, too. In this digital age, letters, notes, and cards – written with real pens on real paper – feel like gold arriving in your mailbox (and are probably even more priceless).

Not only is April ‘National Letter Writing Month,’ but science has found that that writing a letter can also improve your mood, reduce stress, and create an overall sense of well-being. Talk about triple points for your health score!

In order to make all those feel-good snail mail connections, you’ll want to make sure your envelope game is on point. You may not know, but there’s an official way how to correctly address an envelope. When you want to give someone that “Yay, it’s not a bill!” feeling, follow these quick tips to make sure your priceless piece gets where it needs to go.

1. Recipients Name. What’s in a name? Everything. And it goes first.

2. Optional: Use c/o (“In care of”) next. You’ll need this if the person you’re sending to
is somewhere else other than their home address:

  • Want to brighten their day at work? Use “c/o” before the company name.
  • Are they visiting Grandma in Hawaii? Put her name after the “c/o.”
    (Ex: c/o Edith Gotitgood, and then Grandma’s address would follow.)

3. Add the address or post office box number. This is their usual lair — their yurt, glamping tent, she shed, etc. Basically, where they hang their hat. Use abbreviations for directional notes like “ST” or “AVE.” (*See our handy list below!)  But please, no descriptors here like, “the last house on the left.” (Awesome scary movie, though!)

4. City, State, Zip. Use only 2 letters for the state, and forget what you learned in grammar school: commas, periods, and all punctuation go out the window. (Sorry, Ms. Crabtree!) This will actually help your mail zip through processing equipment faster. (And if you really want to be best buds with the post office, USE ALL CAPITAL LETTERS.)

Mailing from outside the U.S.? Add “United States of America” beneath the city, state, and zip.

Don’t forget the return address!

This goes in the upper left corner, in the same way that you wrote the recipient’s address. Or you can pop one of those pre-printed fancy labels there, too.

Fun Fact!
If you use the zip code + 4, which are four extra digits after the 5 digit zip code, the odds are in your favor for a speedier delivery.  Look up your zip + 4 code here.

(Btw, ZIP = Zone Improvement Plan. Now you’re ready for Jeopardy!)

*Here’s a helpful list of abbreviations commonly used in addressing:

Northeast – NE
Northwest – NW
Parkway Pky
Place – Pl
Post Office – PO
Road – Rd
Rural Delivery – RD
Rural Route – RR
Saint – St
South – S
Southeast – SE
Southwest – SW
Spring – Spg
Springs – Spgs
Square(s) – Sq
Street – St
Suite – Ste
Terrace – Ter
Turnpike – Tpke
West – W		 Apartment – Apt
Avenue – Ave
Boulevard – Blvd
Building – Bldg
Center(s) – Ctr
Circle(s) – Cir
Court – Ct
Drive – Dr
East- E
Expressway – Expy
Extension – Ext
Fort – Ft
Freeway – Fwy
Height(s) – Hts
Highway – Hwy
Island – Is
Junction – Jct
Lane – Ln
Mount(ain) – Mt
North – N

You’re all set! Grab a card or some stationery and jump into ‘National Letter Writing Month’ to send a thoughtful jewel to someone’s mailbox that will totally make their day.

Addressing Envelopes Tip: Don't forget the stamp

If you’d like some inspiration to help get your pen moving, be sure to check out our helpful what to write ideas and you’ll be good to go.

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr