Tips On Writing Thank You Notes, And A Look At Stationery

I feel like the handwritten note is really becoming a lost art.  I, for one, love to give and get handwritten mail, don't you?  And nothing does a better job of expressing your gratitude for a gift or a particular kindness than taking the time to compose a note to the gift giver.  Not to mention the fact that I absolutely love pretty stationery.  Personalized papers, monogrammed cards, lovely folded notes, I love them all.  I could just have drawers full!

Tips for Writing Thank You Notes

• Timeliness is appreciated.  Try to get to your Thank You Note out as quickly as possible.
• If you are late in sending it out, don't despair, and also don't simply give up on it.  A late note is better than no note at all.  Just be sure to apologize for your tardiness in the first few lines of the note.  
•  Begin with a greeting.  Dear Aunt Lauren...  Be sure to mention everyone who deserves credit for the gift or act which you are mentioning.
• Express your gratitude.  Exaggeration is not needed.  Simply say Thank you for...and mention the gift or act for which you are thankful.  In cases where I am writing a note of thanks for a gift that was given during a party or event, I first like to express thanks to the giver for attending said function.  It is always nice to know that your presence was just as appreciated as your presents.  
• Mention ways in which you will use the gift, or how it will impact your life.  The scented candle smells lovely and is such a pretty addition to my bedside table...
• In situations where the gift was money or a check, there is no need to mention specific sums.  Simply thank the giver for the generosity of their gift, and be sure to mention how you plan to use it.  
• I always like to then make a mention of regards for the future.  It was so nice to see you, I look forward to seeing you again at Granddad's Birthday Party...
• And then mention an additional thanks.  Thanks again...
• Use a proper closure.  Sincerely,... Best Regards,...With Love,...
• Remember, thank you notes are not just appropriate for tangible gifts, but for anytime that someone does a particularly special act of kindness for you.  
• Take your time to write legibly (this one is particularly hard for me!) but be sure the note is handwritten!
• Keep in mind that someone took the time to purchase the gift for you, and five minutes spent writing a thank you note will go a long way to express your gratitude.  

Some lovely stationery to get you started...

1.   //   2.    //   3.

4.  //    5.  //     6. 

Hollywood Inspired Living Room

Today I was checking my regular blog roll, and, as usual I looked in on Cupcakes and Cashmere.  Today she is featuring a link to a Lonny.com post about the beautiful interiors of Nancy Meyers Movies.  Think, Somethings Got to Give, The Holiday, It's Complicated.  These movies all feature home interiors worth drooling over.  Reportedly, Ms. Meyers as director of these films, has quite a bit of influence in the look of these movie-model sets.  With those images fresh in my mind as inspiration, I decided to create my own version of a Nancy Meyers themed living room.

Here is the Living Room Set from Somethings Got To Give

Image Source

And here is my version:

Carlisle Sofa // Rugby Stripe Rug // Upholstered Chair and Ottoman // Paint : SW Window Pane //

Silver Base Lamp // Wood Pedestal Side Table // Wood Frame Arm Chair // Upholstered Ottoman //

Silver Finish Drink Table // Console Table // Pillows // Ginger Jar

 

Fun Finds - Desk Accessories

Silver Desk Set //Turquoise Enamel Clock // Mercury Glass Gazing Balls // Pebbled Leather Desk Set

Colorful Storage Boxes //  Pom Pom Pushpins

Brass Pencil Holder //  Red Leather Heart Paperweight // Shaped Paper Clips 

Anchor Notecards // Gold Wire Magazine Holder // Gold Stapler // 

The "Write" Idea - Incorporating Writing Desks Into Your Design

One of my favorite things to do in a Master Bedroom design is to incorporate a writing desk.  These are such lovely, and often feminine pieces of furniture.  Utilizing a writing desk with a lovely chair in place of a night chest or table one on side of the bed provides certain unexpected interest in a bedroom, and keeps things from looking too matchy-matchy.  And as a bonus, they are useful pieces as well.

Writing desks are also great for providing "office area" in small spaces where a full size desk would be too heavy (visually) and where space is at a premium.  

Chrome Desk with Glass Top //  Mirrored Desk // French Country Desk

West Indies Desk // Mixed Material Desk // Cream Painted Desk

Nordstrom Distractions

I had meant to have a completely different post done for today, but I managed to get completely distracted by looking at the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale.  So, I decided to just go with it, and give you some of my favorite picks from the sale.

Vince Camuto // Kate Spade Sunglasses // Maxi Dress  // Maxi Skirt //

Michael Kors Bracelet // Topshop Necklace // Crystal Collar Necklace // Sheer Stripe Top

Beach Bag Essentials

Summer is almost here.  We made our first official beach outing over this past weekend, and I am so ready for that to become a regular event.  Here are a few beach favorites of mine.  Including my two favorite sunscreens.   I feel like I have tried every sunscreen possible, and the La Roche Posay Anthelios Sunscreen is the only one I have found that is actually kind to my sensitive face and also keeps it protected.

Pom Pom Tote/  Sunglasses/  Starfish Beach Towel/ Beach Defense Sunscreen/

La Roche Posay Sunscreen/  Wide Brim Hat/  Flip Flops

More beach bags to love.

1./    2./    3./     4./    5./    6.

Updating the Laundry Room

In yesterday's post I presented several dream laundry rooms.  Any one of those rooms featured would certainly make laundry a bit less arduous.  However, I live in reality, and in reality, my laundry room is not even close to any of those.  In case yours isn't either, here are some tips for livening up your laundry room.

• Be brave! A small space such as a laundry room is the perfect place to use wallpaper.  I know that often times wallpaper can seem like a big commitment, but when you apply it in small rooms it has such a huge impact without a huge risk.  Take a look at this space:

Traditional Laundry Room by Philadelphia Interior Designers & Decorators Caitlin Wilson

Even Target now has wallpaper selections.  One of my favorites from their collection has some similarity to the paper in the photo above. 

wallpaper

• Never underestimate the impact of changing a light fixture.  Especially in a small space such as a laundry room, it will make a huge difference.  So pull out that florescent light box and replace it with a lovely pendant lamp or small chandelier.  
• Add a small area rug to the room.  Be sure it does not overwhelm the space by taking up the entire floor, but choose a rug that is more than just a small mat.  I am a big fan of using an indoor/outdoor rug in the laundry room.  They are so durable and can sustain muddy shoes and detergent spills. 
• If your room does not have cabinetry, opt for open shelving on the walls to give you extra storage space.  Sturdy, deep shelves will be your best bet.
• Use a decorative bin or basket to hold your laundry essentials, such as stain remover and dryer sheets.  This is especially useful if you are using open shelves.  With shelves, you want to use baskets or bins to corral all the clutter and keep your shelves looking neat. 
• Keep a large basket or bin handy to toss in all those random socks and dishtowels.  This will keep them out of the way  and off of the counter or top of the washer until you have a chance to wash that load.
• Add some fun accessories.  Artwork, a cool rolling wire hamper, a glass canister to hold your powder detergent...all of these things will bring some fun and personality to your space.  

And if I put it all together it looks like this:

Wallpaper/  Whirlpool Duet Washer and Dryer/  Wall Shelves

Wire Hamper/ Pendant Lamp/ Basket with Chalkboard label/ Glass Jar