American Greetings Blog

  • facebook
  • Pinterest
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • Holidays
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year’s
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Independence Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Other Holidays
  • Celebrations
    • Birthday Fun Facts
    • Party ideas
    • Patriotic
    • Wedding
    • Anniversary

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

January 1 By American Greetings

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

Filed Under: Downloadables, Fun activities, Inspiration, New Year's

Printable Summer Quotes

June 17 By American Greetings

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

Filed Under: Fun activities, Inspiration, Printable, Printables, Quotes, Summer, Tips Tagged With: Give Meaning, Making a Meaningful Summer, Meaningful Summer, Printable Summer Quotes

Valentine’s Day Tips For Better Communication In Our Relationships

January 30 By American Greetings

A Chat with Koren Bierfeldt, LPCC

As Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s all about the emotions as we celebrate the people who matter most to us. And rightly so, because our relationships provide us with all the things that make life meaningful, and joyful, and amazing!

But we also know that relationships can be… well, a bit more complicated at times, too. Love is certainly not the only emotion involved, and relationships can take a heck of a lot of work—just keeping it real. So just why is it that the very same people we love so much can sometimes make us feel frustrated or misunderstood? How can we care about someone so deeply, but at times also feel confused or disconnected from them? How do we navigate through the emotions of our relationships and try to improve them—so we can focus on the happy stuff more often? What gives?

Lucky for us, we‘ve had the most insightful chat with Holistic Therapist & Relationship Expert, Koren Bierfeldt — to help us understand why this is the case.

With close to 20 years experience Koren helps us understand the nuances of miscommunication and why it’s crucial to have good communication to grow healthy, fulfilling relationships — and keep our meaningful connections in tip-top shape. Read on to discover how Koren works with couples to help transform their relationships and get tips on how you can show your loved ones how much they mean to you!


Koren, it seems you really enjoy what you do — how did you get started in such an impactful career? 

Like a lot of people, when I was a teenager I went through some very difficult times. I turned to a psychologist for help and she made an incredible difference in my life. She was a great role model, and that’s when I became really excited about the idea of being able to help others and touch lives in such a profound and positive way.

Can you give us a glance into how you work with people and help them connect with each other?

I really love working with couples and families, because I believe that relationships are our greatest gift. As people learn how to communicate effectively and how to resolve conflict in healthy ways their closest relationships can be strengthened, uplifted, and healed. I teach my clients how to honor each other’s differences and needs, and how to accept ownership for their own actions and reactions.  They learn how to truly listen to one another, and to communicate with appreciation for each other.

Why is effective communication important in maintaining healthy relationships with the people we love?

Being able to communicate effectively is one of the most important things you can do to have successful and fulfilling relationships. Caring, connected, supportive relationships are built on trust, honesty, openness, and mutual respect. Working together in love toward the common goal of an improved relationship can be deeply transformative and can greatly enhance intimacy, connectivity, and understanding. When we feel heard and understood in our closest relationships we experience greater joy in all aspects of our lives.
A chat with Koren Bierfeldt

Can you share any interesting facts about communication, understanding, and how these affect our physical or mental well-being?

Research has shown that poor communication skills are the number one reason for conflict in relationships. And a lack of adequate repair following an argument is the biggest contributor to marital unhappiness and divorce.

Studies have also shown that people who have satisfying relationships with family, friends, and community are happier, have fewer health problems, and actually live longer. Scientists also found that having relationships that make us feel connected and understood helps relieve harmful levels of stress. It also improves coronary function, insulin regulation, and our immune systems. Conversely, lacking healthy social connections can be associated with depression and later-life cognitive decline, as well as increased mortality.

One study (J. Holt-Lunstad, T.B. Smith & JB Layton, Brigham Young University) examined data from close to 309,000 people, finding people lacking strong relationships had a significantly higher mortality risk roughly comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day— also greater than obesity and physical inactivity. So, we see how important meaningful relationships really can be.

Valentine's Day Tips for Better Communication Tips in Our Relationships

But Koren, sometimes our relationships can be soooo difficult to navigate. Why is it that so often our actions don’t align with what we feel inside?

There are different reasons why someone’s behavior may not align with how they really feel. Some people are afraid of conflict and avoid expressing their thoughts or emotions in fear of causing an argument or hurting the other person. Others choose to behave passive aggressively and say they’re fine, when they are really hurt or angry. Some believe that if they lose control of their emotions others will think they are weak or vulnerable – we call that “emotional perfectionism.” People may also be afraid of rejection and repress their feelings because they’re afraid of abandonment or ending up alone. All of these behaviors cause harm to relationships and create disconnection with loved ones. But acknowledging our feelings and addressing them honestly is the best way to move forward toward health and happiness.

Can you offer any advice for people who might struggle to express their emotions?

When I’m working with someone who has a hard time expressing their feelings, I usually ask them to think about what it is they want most. If the answer is that they want a deeper level of connection and intimacy in their relationships, then they have to be willing to speak authentically even when it’s difficult, which takes courage. I also ask them to really consider the price they are paying when they choose not to express themselves. Because there are lots of ways we can share our feelings with someone, whether by acts of kindness, saying it directly to them, or even writing it down for them to read — of course, greeting cards make emotional expression so much easier!

Communication overall has changed in recent years – have these cultural changes made communication more or less effective in your opinion?

We now live in an age where so much of our communication takes place digitally. When we wake up in the morning we immediately reach for our devices and then use them to stay connected with everyone, the whole day. I think there are pros and cons to this.

Instant communication, connection and social media have boosted our ability to engage with a broader social network—with updates and significant events happening not just in our friends and family’s lives, but also those with whom we might not otherwise stay connected. Which can be good. The downside is that we’re often not as present or connected with those who are right in front of us—often the people who matter the most. In-person and verbal communication can often have far greater emotional value than anything that can be conveyed electronically. For example, we can’t hear the tone or softness in someone’s voice when they tell us they love us in a text. We can’t feel the sincerity of emotion as intensely when we aren’t able to look into our loved ones’ eyes as they express their feelings. And that’s all very important.

It seems like you really make a difference, Koren – so what’s the very best part about what you do?

I get to help people heal their relationships and lead healthier, happier lives. I’ve witnessed many beautiful transformations over the years. What could be better than that?

Valentine's Day Tips for Better Communication

Okay, last thing — Valentine’s Day is almost here. Any thoughts on how people can make this the best Valentine’s Day ever for their loved one?

That’s a great question! It makes me think about the fact that people have different ways of experiencing and receiving love. Some people feel most connected through physical touch or affection. For others, the most important thing is spending quality time together. My suggestion on how to make this a special Valentine’s Day would be to really think about what makes your loved one feel most connected, special, and loved. If you’re not sure, ask them!  That’s their personal love language. Then plan a special way to tell them and show them – give them an experience, a card, or a gift centered around meeting their most heartfelt needs.

Care to share a favorite Valentine’s Day memory before you leave?

My love language, the type of communication I appreciate most, is verbal affirmation. I feel most loved when people communicate their feelings verbally or in written form, and really listen when I’m expressing myself.

One of the best gifts my husband gave me was to take me to a coffee shop in a bookstore. He gave me a beautiful card that expressed his feelings about our marriage. Then he said, “Today, you can talk about whatever you want and I will give you my full attention. If you want to get a book and discuss it, I’ll spend the afternoon doing that with you. If you want to process your feelings about our relationship, I will listen deeply.” Then he proceeded to tell me all of the reasons that he loved me. I was in complete heaven! I know that, for him, this was not a fun way to spend an afternoon. He would much rather have gone to a sporting event or out with friends. But he took the time to think about what would make me feel most loved and cherished. There isn’t any gift that I can think of that has ever meant more to me than that day.


So, whether face-to-face, hand in hand, digitally, or through written messages, it’s important to remember that speaking from the heart is key—not only in this season of love, but every day.

Saying “I love you” is always a great way to go, of course! But if that seems a little tricky to you, our writers have offered suggestions on finding the right words for you. Check out these tips for what to write in a Valentine’s Day card — and make sure to tell the person you love how important they really are.

Learn more about Koren Bierfeldt and how communication can improve your relationships at www.korenbierfeldt.com. 

 

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Filed Under: Inspiration, Love, Valentine's Day

How to Make Tissue Paper Flower Pens

April 6 By American Greetings

AG_FB_LINK_Tissue_Paper_Flower_Title

Tissue paper flower pens are a fun, inexpensive and easy way to make someone a gift from the heart. For less than $1.00 per pen, you can create a festive keepsake that’s sure to make them smile—without breaking your wallet. And the best news is, you don’t have to be super crafty to make one!

Here’s what you’ll need:

  1. Pens (straight ones without a clip work the best)
  2. Tissue paper
  3. Curling ribbon
  4. Double-sided tape
  5. Scissors

 

AG_FB_LINK_Tissue_Paper_Flower_Supplies

 

Lay a single piece of tissue paper flat and smooth it out.  Fold it in half four times, smoothing it out each time to avoid wrinkles.
AG_FB_LINK_Tissue_Paper_Flower_Spread_Tissue

 

Take your scissors and free-hand cut a cloud shape, cutting through all layers of tissue paper at the same time. It doesn’t matter if it’s perfectly symmetrical or that it resembles a perfect flower-shape. (In fact, we found that the uneven cloud-shape gives you a fuller look.)

AG_FB_LINK_Tissue_Paper_Flower_Cloud

 

Take your stack of petal-clouds and restack them on top of each other, flipping some of them over and rotating them around so that they’re in an uneven stack, not perfectly one-on-top of each other.

AG_FB_LINK_Tissue_Paper_Flower_Petals

Use the tip of your pen and press down on your stack of petals. Carefully pull the petals up 2-3 layers at a time onto the handle of the pen.AG_FB_LINK_Tissue_Paper_Flower_Pen

Once all of the tissue paper is pulled onto the pen, wrap the flat end of the pen in double-sided tape. Pull up a single piece of tissue paper and gently press it onto the tape from several sides. Gently squeeze the tissue paper to pull it all close together.

Now you pull all of your petals a few at a time towards the end of the pen.  Gently pull your petals through your thumb and index finger to smooth them out and bring the flower together.

AG_FB_LINK_Tissue_Paper_Flower_Finish_Pen_Tip

Holding the flower between your thumb and index finger, wrap the very base of the flower in double-sided tape. Apply double-sided tape length-wise down both sides of the pen and wrap the base of it as well. Then starting at the base of the flower, wrap the pen in the green curling ribbon.

AG_FB_LINK_Tissue_Paper_Flower_Stem

Move slowly and overlap it so that the pen is completely wrapped in ribbon. When you reach the base of the pen, cut of the excess curling ribbon. If the ribbon feels loose at the tip, you can tuck another piece of double-sided tape under the tail end of the ribbon for extra security.

 

AG_FB_LINK_Tissue_Paper_Flower_Finish_Pen

 

And there you have it–an adorable tissue paper pen, perfect for celebrating any occasion! If you want to make a dozen, it will take about two packages of tissue paper and about a roll and a half of curling ribbon, keeping the total cost of this project under $1/pen.

AG_FB_LINK_Tissue_Paper_Flower_End

Still need some extra help? Watch our full video tutorial below:

Save

Save

Save

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Filed Under: Anniversary, Baby Showers, Congratulations, Crafting, DIY, Easter, Easter, Friendship, Fun activities, Gift ideas, How-to, Inspiration, Other, Quirky Holidays, Valentine's Day, Videos

Printable Valentine’s Day Shopping List

February 2 By American Greetings

AG_CB_VAL_Blog_Banner_shopping_List

If Valentine’s Day seems to be sneaking up on you, you’re not alone. The holiday is fast approaching, and it can be hard to stay organized when there’s a lot to be done – treats to make for class parties, finding valentines for your kids to exchange with friends, picking out the perfect Valentine’s Day cards for everyone on your list, etc.  Speaking of lists, we thought we’d do our part to help keep you organized with this fun, (and FREE) printable Valentine’s Day shopping list.

This sweet printable includes a shopping list so you won’t forget anything you need, and open notes section to write down extra reminders, and adorable little love notes you can cut out and leave in lunch boxes, school folders, or around the house for your sweetie.

Printable Valentine's Day Shopping List

Pin these printables today!
AG_CB_VAL_Shopping_List_FB_LINK_PIN

Save

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Filed Under: Inspiration, Printable, Valentine's Day Tagged With: Printable Valentine's Day Notes, Printable Valentine's Day Shopping List, Valentine's Day Card

Printable Inspirational Quotes

September 21 By American Greetings

Fall is here, and there is something about this season that makes us want to bring out the warmest and kindest versions of ourselves. A really beautiful way to do that is carrying out little random acts of kindness for the people around us. We’ve collected some of our favorite inspirational quotes, and put them together on one printable sheet that you can cut out and leave for those around you.

Use them to remind people that you’re thinking about them, or even leave them for someone you may not know at all – because we could all use some gentle words for the soul to lift us up every once in while. Below are some suggestions for how you can use these little bits of inspirations.

09282016_AG_BLG_Gentle_Words_Notes

AG_BLG_Gentle_Words_Notes_1AG_BLG_Gentle_Words_Notes_4

People you live with:
Why not have one of these waiting first thing in the morning for someone to encourage a great day – especially if they had a not-so-great day yesterday.  In that case, the “Don’t ruin a good day because of a bad yesterday” quote is a perfect choice.

Another option for a good pick-me-up is the “All you need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt,” quote. Leave this with a mini chocolate bar on the kitchen table and it’s pretty much guaranteed to make their morning bright.

AG_BLG_Gentle_Words_Notes_6AG_BLG_Gentle_Words_Notes_2

Friends going through a tough time:
Sometimes life can be hard, and stressful, and busy, but knowing that a friend has your back and is there when you need them can make all the difference. “You’ll always have the help and support of people who care, especially me,” is a great quote to leave with a friend as a reminder that you’ll always be there when they need you the most.

“Let your faith be bigger than your fear,” is also nice thought to leave with someone who might need a few words of encouragement.

AG_BLG_Gentle_Words_Notes_3

AG_BLG_Gentle_Words_Notes_5

Someone you may not know:
We don’t always have to know someone to make a difference in their day. Simply leaving the “Today seemed like a good day to wish you a good day,” quote on someone’s desk is a great prompt to start a “pay it forward” movement around the office. Also, “Color the world with goodness,” is a warm reminder for all of us to be as kind as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

Facebooktwitterpinteresttumblr

Filed Under: Happiness, Inspiration, Printables, Quotes Tagged With: inspirational quotes, Printable Inspirational Quotes, Random acts of Kindess, Spreading Kindness

Most Recent Pins

Pink Glitter TapeGold Glitter TapeParty napkins - American GreetingsParty napkins - American GreetingsGold Star Cupcake ToppersUnicorn Party Theme | Paper Straws

Archives

  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018

Copyright © 2023 AGCM, Inc. All rights reserved.