Notes & Neighbors - Your BFF!

*Adorable Best Friend necklace by stuckinthecoop.

Have you told your BFF how much they mean to you recently? Best friends tend to (unintentionally) get taken for granted. Take a quick minute to write your BFF a note telling them just how thankful you are to have them around and how you absolutely could not live with out their fashion advice.

Happy Writing!

Notes & Neighbors - The Summer Swim Instructor

I was one of those nerdy kids who really loved swimming lessons. I think I would've learned a lot more in school if it would have been more like learning how to swim. Though my swimming lesson days are (WAY!) behind me, I think all of those swim instructors out there deserve some props. Who knows how many countless lives have been saved due to their patience with all of us squirrely kids splashing every where. So if your kids or the kids you're nannying for this summer are taking swim lessons, make sure to write their teacher a little note thanking them for sacrificing their hair color and the future health of their skin so that we can laze the day away floating in the pool.

Happy Writing!

Notes & Neighbors - The Newlyweds

Matt & Mya's engagement pic. Taken by Lauren Larsen

In just a couple short weeks my little brother (younger actually, since he towers over me) will be marrying his lovely fiance, Mya. Ah yes, summer weddings. Start planning your calendar now to get all of those cards out on time. And if you're worried about budgeting for gifts for all of the happy couples, check out this super cool personalized print from Silhouette Blue for only $15.00!
At 5"x7" it's even small enough to be mailed with your congrats if you can't make it to the blessed event. And if you just so happen to need a eco-friendly, hand made card for the bride & groom see what Paper Mango has to offer here. *wink*

Happy Writing!

Notes & Neighbors - The President

Yes, that President. Hey, the Fourth of July is just around the corner so why not join in celebrating our independence and send the Big Boss a little note to let him know what you think. What's that you say? He's never going to read it? Well, probably not. But, his people will and on that "Inside the White House" series Brian Williams did, they said the President reads a selection of the letters he receives. So you're saying there's a chance? Even if your masterpiece of praise/critique doesn't reach Obama's eyes I think one of the best things about this country is being able to share our input with the decision makers and not getting imprisoned or killed for it.

Happy Writing!

ps - This post seems to alienate any of you international readers, but hey, you can send the U.S. president a note too! Think our countries should be better friends, or trade more fairly, or play better with other countries? Let him know! He'll love your accent.

Notes & Neighbors - The Foodie

Tomorrow is National Culinarians Day and while this may not have been on your holiday radar, what a great excuse to send a note to that friend that always brings the best food to the company potluck. Foodies love sharing their culinary skills with friends and family and usually don't cook for the thanks involved, but what better way to keep those gourmet dishes coming than to show a little appreciation? So drop your favorite foodie a quick note to let them know how much you loved the Truffle Gruyere Potato Gratin they brought to your last shin dig.

Happy writing!

Notes & Neighbors - Dad!

This weekend we'll all be gathering around to celebrate Dad. The one who coached our soccer teams, helped us with math homework and forced us to learn to drive a stick shift car "just in case". If you don't get a chance to be with your dad make sure to get a little note in the mail and let him know how much you appreciate all of those life lessons.

Happy Writing!

Notes & Neighbors - Mom!

We all know that Dad wears the pants in the family, but it's Mom that rules the roost. And while and never take our moms for granted and tell them daily how much we appreciate all of their hard work, this Sunday is her big day. It's the one day a year when she doesn't feel guilty about neglecting the laundry, sleeping in later than normal, or getting spoiled rotten! So don't forget to send Mom some love this week!

ps - and if you haven't already gotten her a card, today is the last day to pick one up from Paper Mango. Head over to the Etsy store here.

Notes & Neighbors - The Boss

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say (hope!) your boss isn't as terrible as Bill Lumbergh from the classic "Office Space". If I'm wrong...I'm so sorry and I hope you can find a new job soon. If not, I bet your boss could use a bit of encouragement in the form of a hand written note. Emails just don't have the same effect when you've already read through 500 before lunch. Remember, there's a fine line between appreciation and brown nosing, so keep it short and sweet and let your boss know that all of their hard work doesn't go completely unnoticed. Maybe they'll even thank you with a Hawaiian shirt day next Friday.

Happy Writing!

Notes & Neighbors - The College Roommate(s)

During my college years, I had the incredible opportunity to spend a year studying abroad in Sydney, Australia. (Hence all of my Aussie obsessions.) While there, I lived in an odd housing situation with nine (NINE!) other girls. When I first learned of where and while whom I'd be living, I assumed the whole thing would be a disaster. That's way too much estrogen in one place for things to go smoothly! Much to my surprise and delight, not only did we all get along, we all became super close friends. But as happens in life, over time you lose touch and once in a while I'll think, "Where the heck is Jill these days?" You may not have nine other people to stay in touch with, but look up some of those college friends and roomies and send them a note to say hello and reminisce about that one crazy night.

Happy Writing!

Notes & Neighbors - Your City Council Member

(If you're new to the Paper Mango blog, check out what the Notes & Neighbors series is all about here.)

If you're anything like me and sadly out of touch with your local political scene you're probably not even sure who your city council representative is. City council members get a lot of complaints and not a whole lot of thanks. Take a minute to find out who your council member is and then write them a quick note to say thank you for their work serving your community. If you're particularly pleased with the recent addition of a new park, or newly paved roads in your area mention how it's made life in your neighborhood a bit more enjoyable.

Happy Writing!

Notes & Neighbors - Grandma & Grandpa

Nothing would make the day of a grandma or grandpa more than getting a cheery card from one of their grand kids for no other reason than to just say "hello". One of the most prevalent problems among elderly Americans is loneliness and if you're like many and live too far away for a visit, a short note to let them know you're thinking of them will do a grandparent's heart good. Just don't forget to write your note in neat, large lettering.

Happy Writing!

Notes & Neighbors - The School Teacher

We all know that the school teacher is one of the most unsung heroes of our day and age. As the child of two career teachers, I know the unpaid hours and thankless tasks that go into the job. I also know that the smallest tokens of gratitude go far and can make a teacher's week and give them the support they need to press on. Why not take a minute to sit down and write a thank you note to your child's teacher and let them know how appreciated they are. No kids? Most of us probably have a friend or two in the field. Write them a note thanking them for leading the next generation and let them know how thankful you are they are doing the job that you couldn't even imagine doing!