Your Next Party: Evite or Personal Invitation?

Time is limited. You’re in a rush. And you’ve got invitations that need to get out. At this point, you might be tempted to use Evites, which deliver electronic invitations at lightning speed. But are there any drawbacks? Maybe.

Let’s get real. Evites have a lot going for them. They’re sent through email, which is fast and easy. But, there’s one potential flaw. During this electronic delivery process, you may be diminishing the experience of your recipient. But, how?

Excitement…it’s Inside the Envelope 

It starts in grade school. Birthday invitations are passed around the room, and you can’t contain your excitement when you actually receive one. Opening the envelope is half the fun. Then, once the invite is opened, you are thrilled to hang it on the refrigerator, checking frequently to ensure you haven’t forgotten the date.

Now, think about this. Would the experience have been the same if your mother received an electronic invitation in her email, and casually told you about the upcoming birthday? Probably not.

Handwriting invitations are more time consuming. But whether you’re an adult or a child, there’s something special about holding, opening and reading an invitation. Something, that can’t be replicated inside an email inbox. 

Also, with paper invitations, you can select a variety of envelopes, colored paper – and even special stamps, which make the invite more special.

What’s your favorite way to invite guests to parties? Please share your suggestions by leaving a comment below. Also, have you signed up for our newsletter yet? Simply click here to visit our site and sign up!

May I Have the Envelope Please? The Mystery behind the Envelope…

Do you have plans Sunday, February 24? If you’re like 39 million others, you’ll be sitting on the edge of your seat, listening to these words:

May I have the envelope please?

There was a time, however, when the envelope didn’t exist. It was 1929, the first year of the Oscars. The cost to attend the event was $10 per ticket, with about 250 attendees.

Now, the event is held in the Dolby Theatre, which hosts about 2,700 attendees, including actors, directors, producers and their families.

But, if there was no envelope in the beginning, how were winners revealed?

Scandal at the Oscars…Envelope to the Rescue

At first, Oscar winners were known in advance. But, there was a problem. There was no suspense. So, the Oscars decided to shake things up, and announce the winners the evening of the event – and release the names early to newspapers to publish in the 8:45pm edition of the LA Times.

This didn’t work either, as guests arriving for the affair could simply purchase the 8:45 edition of the LA times, and read the winners. Surprise spoiled.

So, the Oscars came up with a new plan. They created an envelope system, which is used today.

Want your own Oscar Envelope?

Until last year, you could have one. Simply visit your local office supply store and purchase plain white envelopes. It was that easy. This was the exact same type envelope used at the Oscars.

But in 2012, things changed. After 70 years of use, the plain white envelope was kicked to the curb, replaced by a more grown up version of the envelope.

The new envelope is made of iridescent gold paper and watermarked with the images of Oscar. It’s lined with shiny red paper and the winner’s name appears on the heavy piece of lacquered red paper inside, with the category listed in black – and sealed with a shiny red sticker with two stripes of ribbon.

Want a Sneak Peak at the Names?

Good luck! They’re guarded in a vault. Well, not really. But, the Oscars have developed a clever way to prevent the leak of winners. Two people in this whole world know the results.

Who are they?

Accountants. That’s right, two accountants employed by PriceWaterhouseCoopers are charged with the important task of stuffing and sealing the envelopes and shredding any leftovers.

Are you watching the Oscars this year? If so, please share your plans for the big night by leaving a comment below. Also, have you signed up for our blog yet? Visit our website and sign up to have helpful tips delivered conveniently to your inbox each week!

Valentine’s Day Alert: Will you pick the Right Gift this Year?

Every moment, it’s drawing closer…Valentine’s Day. On average, men spend about $168.74 on clothing, jewelry and other gifts for the big holiday, with women spending about half this amount, according to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation.

How much will you spend this year? And, more importantly, will you select the right gift?

It’s a lot of pressure. Fortunately, there’s an easier way to celebrate Valentine’s Day without spending a lot of money, and hitting closer to your loved one’s heart: handwritten letters and cards.

Store Aisles, Loaded with Cheese…

And, it’s not the kind you eat. We’re talking about cookie cutter Valentine’s Day cards with messages like:

Stick with me Valentine

You light up my Life

Don’t ever change Valentine

You rock Valentine

Yet, 150 million Valentine’s Day cards were sent last year, according to the Greeting Card Association. And this doesn’t include the Valentine’s cards children pass out in school.

Hit Closer to the Heart

Parents keep Christmas, Valentine’s Day and other gifts children make for years, even though they cost very little.

That’s because they come from the heart.

Hand-made valentines were once very popular, starting in the early 1700s. But, in the 1840s mass produced valentines hit the market, and hand-made valentines waned in popularity.

This Year, be Different

Forgo the mass produced cookie cutter Valentine’s Day cards millions of Americans are sending, and stand out using quality paper to make your own personalized message or DIY Valentine's Day card, customized to your loved one.

For DIY card ideas,  click here.

Do you have great ideas for making personal cards or letters? If so, please share by leaving a comment below. Also, be sure to visit our website and sign up for our newsletters!

Valentine’s Day: Will you Sign XOXO this Year?

Have you signed a letter, email or text message with an XOXO lately? If so, you aren’t alone. Many of us do it. And, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, XOXO isn’t going out of style anytime soon.

Although, have you thought about where XOXO comes from – and how long we’ve been using it? The answer may surprise you.

Older than Dirt

Well, not literally. But, the symbolism originates in the Middle Ages…which is pretty old.  Letter senders drew a Christian cross on documents to show sincerity, faith and honestly. Then, the sender placed a kiss on the cross, as a display of their sworn oath.

Around 1765, the “X” came into play. The letter “X” which represents the Greek word for Christ was used to show the kiss of sincerity.

Why Not Just Spell it Out?

The answer is simple. The majority of common people couldn’t read. Regardless of reading ability, the X was something everyone could understand. The “O,” however, made its appearance much later than the “X” in North America.

U.S. Jewish immigrants used the “O” at the bottom of documents when signing – in place of the “X.” The “O” is said to represent arms encircling each other, like a big hug. And the “X” symbolizes the kiss.

Over time, people started using the XOXO together, like so many of us do today.

What about you? Will you be signing your letters or envelopes with an XOXO this year? Please share by leaving a comment below. Also, visit our website to sign up for emails which include great discounts and links to the latest blog posts!

This Valentine’s Day, Give More…By Spending Less

Are you still recovering from the holiday spending frenzy? If so, get ready, because there’s another holiday on the horizon: Valentine’s Day. Americans spend approximately $17.6 billion annually – or about $126 for each person receiving a gift, according to Visual Economics .

Wouldn’t it be nice to spend less and deliver a more meaningful message?

The Quest for the Perfect Card

If you visit any card aisle, you’ll see it: loved ones trying to find that “perfect” card. It’s a huge time suck. Plus, the card writer doesn’t really know your loved one, so how could they write a message that comes straight from the heart?


Make it personal with DIY cards.

Not only do they cost less, but your loved one will receive a personalized and meaningful message.

And, let’s face it, with all the birthdays, weddings and baby showers you’ll be attending this year, wouldn’t it be nice to save a little money?

DIY Card Tips for Any Occasion

DIY card options are endless. Purchase quality paper and a snazzy envelope, and you’re ready to create a personalized Valentine’s Day message. Here are a few ideas for making your card unique.

• Use fun shapes. Instead of creating a typical square shaped card, get creative. Make your card a circle, heart or even a star – whatever feels right for the occasion.
• Break out the shine. Fight “dull card syndrome” by adding shiny details, like adhering glitter to the front of a birthday card – or,  placing a shiny bow on the front of a baby shower card. 
• Use texture. Think of paper as your art canvas. Then, layer different textures on top. Use lace, beads or charms to make your card special. 
• Play with color. Use black and white for a wedding card, or use vibrant colors  for a birthday. The right shades of color will make your card stand out. 
• 3-D images. Your message will jump off the page with embossing, which creates a 3D effect. Simply use a rubber stamp to stamp your desired image, sprinkle embossing powder over the image and tap away excess powder. Then, use an embossing heat gun to harden the image.

Most importantly, let your DIY card be an expression created for you and your loved one. What’s your favorite DIY card idea? Leave your suggestions and comments below. Also, be sure to visit our website to view our product offerings and don’t forget to sign up for our emails to receive great deals and links to the latest blog posts!