Pretty things in my mailbox.

I want to start a group. We could call it, "Pretty things in my mailbox". How does that sound? Maybe a Flickr group? Maybe a street team? I don't know much about group-starting. I was in Girl Scouts when I was younger, but I was far from a leader, and didn't learn any leadership skills like I was supposed to. I'm not even sure I earned any badges. Shame on me. I was a lazy kid. Far less proactive than I am now.

All I know is, nothing makes me happier than opening up my mailbox (or watching my 2 year old do it), and pulling out a beautiful wrapped box or envelope. Yesterday on our way back from the park, Christopher held Eleanore up to pull the mailbox door down, and inside was a pretty purple package. "I don't remember ordering anything", I said to myself. Well that's because I didn't. A wonderful surprise was awaiting me on the inside of the purple exterior. OhMandie had sent me a baby shower gift! This time, it was a gift just for me. I appreciate and love all of the fabulous things that everyone has gotten for Charlie, we all know he'll need them (that cute little helpless chubby wubby baby), but its even more wonderful when somebody thinks of the mama.

I'm always careful to open up the nicely wrapped packages, because I know if they're packaged pretty on the outside, then they're probably packaged nice and pretty on the inside as well. Usually packages that come in a plain jane padded envelope are over sized, with a rather sad excuse for a thank you note (if there's one at all), and were purchased in a large lot for cheapness and conveniences sake. It does the job, so I understand... but honestly, I'm a packaging snob. I hope I'm not the only one. When I order something online (OK from Etsy really), I want it to come beautifully wrapped like a handmade gift, with frills and bows, colors and curtains, the works. Recycled or brand new, a simple thank you combined with some visual happiness goes a long way.

So I snip through the clear tape on this gorgeous purple envelope, and inside I find a wonderful handmade note book. OhMandie!! Thank you!! What an absolute dear. There was a nice little card with a darling note saying something along the lines of "I read your blog post about your baby shower, and I had to join in". My heart paused for a few seconds while I scrunched up my face as if I had just seen a newborn kitten, and said "awwww!" out loud. What a sweetheart!

-"Recycled Holdiay Gift Tags", by notjane, $3.00.
-"daheim - postcard gift set - handprinted", by SiebenMorgen, $10.00.
-"10 3x7 Handmade Shipping Envelopes", by lisasshop, $4.00.

-"Bluebells - Large Handbound Journal / Sketchbook", by OhMandie, $10.00.