Budget Friendly Kid Invitations from San Lori

So are looking for a budget friendly and kid friendly birthday invitations?  San Lori offers perfect invites for any theme birthday party!  From a football party to a gymnastics party to a swim party, San Lori can provide you not only an invitation, but a coordinating thank you and a matching sticker!  Be sure to check out all the invites at http://www.ellispaperie.com/c_46/all/Fill-In-Invitations.htm.  Below are just a couple of options.

San Lori KLS-126

San Lori KLT-124

San Lori KLI-123

San Lori KLI-147

San Lori KLT-148

San Lori KLS-135

The Art of Writing a Note

I know many of us tend to think that the handwritten note or letter is a thing of the past, but the thing is, who is thrilled to receive a handwritten note, and no I am not talking about the kind where you log in and click a button, I am talking about walking to the mailbox and opening an envelope with a note inside!  For many people it truely is an experience and generally will put a smile on your face.  However in general most of us don't know the proper way of addressing an envelope, the proper way to say thank you for a gift received or how to say your sorry.  Well I hope what I have to say helps.  The note acts as an art form and allows you to express your feelings that otherwise would never be expressed.  I have read several etiquette books and have conclusively tried to put together a few important things to remember when it comes to writing a "note".

First and foremost, the first thing the recipient sees when they receive the note, the envelope!  Here is a general rule of thumb on addressing the envelope as well as whom you address the actual note:

Children or teens (boys under the age of 17 and girls under the age of 21) it is acceptable to use their first and last name on the envelope, Bill Smith or Jane Smith or if you would like to be a little more formal Mr Bill Smith or Miss Jane Smith  and you would address the note with a "Dear (first name)"

Men eighteen and older would read on the envelope Mr. Bill Smith, the note would be addressed Dear Bill

Ladies twenty-one and older would read on the envelope Ms. Jane Smith

Jr., Sr., III, and 4th Mr. Bill Smith, Jr.; Mr. Bill Smith III, Mr. Bill Smith 4th, you would address the note as Dear Bill

Ok that was just a brief touch on addressing envelopes, basically just covered the basics!  Now for the nitty gritty on actually writing a note.  We always have reasons for writing notes, whether it is a thank you, an I'm Sorry, just a friendly note of hello, or a congratulations, their is always good reason for sending that perfect note.  First I am going to focus on writing that perfect Thank You note.  A Thank You should always contain the following:

• Mention the specific reason for the Thank You

• Thank you so much for the {gift}
• How did you guess I wanted
• The {gift} was so kind generous, thoughtful, etc.
• I was so pleased
• Thanks a million

• The note should always be handwritten (nothing that is printed out)
• Contain a proper closing (Sincerely, Love, Regards, With Love, Warmly, etc.
• A relative, close friend could close with Love, Fondly, Affectionately, Etc.
• Friends and distant relatives could close with Warmly, All the best, With love, Best, etc.
• Acquaintances and business-related notes close with , Sincerely, Regards, Gratefully, Respectfully, etc.
• And most importantly it should be sent promptly
• The quicker you send the Thank You the better.  Lets face it, we like to be thanked and we want to know that you appreciate the gift!

Many of us never like the thought of having to write an I'm Sorry note.  They are not happy times, but it is very meaningful to the person who has lost a loved one, a dear friend,  or if you are extending an apology.   If you are writing a note of condolence it lets the other person know that you care about them and that you are for them.  Below are so tips to help you get started writing your condolence note:

• I'm so sorry
• We're going to miss {Name}
• {Name} had such a wonderful life 
• I remember
• Can I help by {making a meal, going grocery shopping, a place for guests to stay}

Condolences often are very hard to write if you haven't experienced a loss, just remember a small note is very meaningful even if you feel your not sure what to write.  Well that wraps up a small portion of writing notes! 

Ann Scott Design

Ann Scott is a paper line consisting of invitations and note cards!  She offers everything from everyday notes, wedding, maternity and a line especially for him.  Her designs are hand illustrated and perfect in every way.  She has a real sense in how to reach the most girly girl and the most masculine man.  Ann Scott has a fantastic line of holiday invitations too!  Because Ann Scott believes in being green, all paper used is recycled and the ink is a petroleum free ink.  Please be sure to check all her products on my website at www.ellispaperie.com.  Below is just a small sampling of what Ann Scott Design has to offer! 

 Ann Scott Design 

birthday girl
IN09032

Ann Scott Design

holidaze
IN09072

Ann Scott Design

wedding shoes
IN09042

Ann Scott Design

pink polkadot mom
IN01090

Ann Scott Design

think pink
NC09052

Ann Scott Design

blue stripe thank you
NC01023

 

Ann Scott Design

sequins note card

NC01020

Old Age Question for Wedding Gifts

It is an old age question, if you attend several wedding showers, must you give a gift at all showers and give a wedding gift?  In the past it was customary to be invited to a single wedding shower and the wedding, and it was also custom to purchase a gift for both events.  Nowadays we are invited to several wedding showers, a personal shower, couple's shower, and the wedding.  So are we still expected to purchase gifts for all events we attend?  With research I have found several different answers.  I have picked what I think is most appropriate, and in doing so I can tell you I have made the mistake of maybe not doing it correctly!  For example if you have been invited to 3 showers and obviously your invited to the wedding, you should purchase a gift for at least one shower and a wedding gift!  Every bride might expect something different!  Using your best judgment what do you think your friend would expect!  If you guys have solutions or what you would expect please comment!

Happy New Year!