Freckled Past

Unique gift ideas and thoughtful reflections on how to enjoy what you have and find what you need without sacrificing what you want.

Items of Note August 10, 2009

“To write a good love letter, you ought to begin without knowing what you mean to say, and to finish without knowing what you have written.”  Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Though not all letters are love letters, unless it is a professional correspondence there is probably a bit of love behind it. From elegant notecards to funky homemade stationery, your paper choice can say nearly as much as your words. Our etiquette advice is more common sense than anything… Use appropriate stationery for your purpose. Do not use a cartoon notecard for a condolence letter and forego the Hello Kitty stationery when thanking someone for a job interview. If you can’t afford nice stationery or don’t have occasion to write often and, for this reason, only want one set sitting around choose something simple and neutral such as a monogram, basic trimmed edge, or anything monochromatic and Cranes.

Stationery, note cards, and pretty paper seem to be as enticing to me as high-heeled shoes are to most women. Where some admire the grace with which they can sashay across a room in stilettos, I consider how the ink would fall on the grains of the paper. I know I am not alone, so for other stationery fans out there this post has some of my of-the-moment favorites.

Otis And Bean offer delightful letterpress note cards sold individually for $4 each, but for $15 you can buy your favorite five.

Sweet Perversion Designs lets anything be an excuse to write with a set of ten ‘Hello’ cards($14).

Viva La Violette loves cupcakes as much as I do and has the Set of Eight Personalized Cupcake Note Cards ($11) to show for it.

Ink Spotts has a whimsical 20-Card Folded Note Set ($20)

Top Left: ; Top Right: ; Bottom Left: ; Bottom Right: .

Top Left: Otis and Bean; Top Right: Sweet Perversion Designs; Bottom Left: Viva La Violette; Bottom Right: Ink Spotts.

 

Sweet Smell of Softness May 17, 2009

As I get older, the practice of pampering my skin feels more important and less frivolous. Fuzzy Bunny makes is soft, sweet, and simple with its Soap and Organic Washcloth Set ($12). The soft organic baby blue cotton washcloth and ocean rain soap stand up to much use, being the gift that keeps on giving. Fuzzy Bunny uses natural ingredients and eco-friendly materials as well as processes, so this set is as good for Mother Earth as it is for you.

Soap and Organic Washcloth Set by Fuzzy Bunny (Etsy)

Soap and Organic Washcloth Set by Fuzzy Bunny (Etsy)

 

Tip Top Toes May 16, 2009

Enjoy treating your toes to tip top care at home or on-the-go with Avon’s Foot Works I’m Lovin’ My Feet Pedicure Set ($3.99). A cheery cherry red case carries nail clippers, nail files, cuticle sticks, and toesies (to fit between the toes when applying polish). Perfect item to include in a gift basket for a college student, travel-loving teen, or bridesmaid/bride.

Avon

Avon's Foot Works I'm Lovin' My Feet Pedicure Set

 

Kickin’ It Old School May 14, 2009

Bring old school style into your dorm room with Paper Source’s Slate Gray Chalkboard Wallies ($19.95). Each of the four 9″x12″ panels situates on most surfaces for messages, calendars, chalk art, or whatever your whimsy desires. Also great for a child’s room, kitchen, or office.

Slate Gray Chalkboard Wallies from Paper Source

Slate Gray Chalkboard Wallies from Paper Source

 

Around Campus May 9, 2009

You’ve moved into the dorm, you have every possible thing you could need, now it’s time to actually go to class! Did you remember the essentials you’ll want to have with you when you’re going around campus? Don’t worry, we’re thinking ahead and hope these links spark ideas for your own college adventures.

This is the second post in our getting ready for college series of posts (the first was Dormitory Bathroom Basics). All the posts in this series as well as other ideas are available in our ‘Gift for College Student‘ category.

Tommy Hilfiger Cross Country Canvas Messenger Bag, $27.99

SIGG ALU Traveler 0.6L (20 oz.) Aluminum Water Bottle, $21.99

L.L.Bean Turbo Transit Pack, $59.50, or L.L.Bean Super Shockwave Pack, $69.50

PNY 2GB 3 pack USB Flash Drive, $29.99

Thorlos® Socks