HOLIDAY SALE EXTENDED!



These have been really popular the past few days - so happy holidays!

Set of 100 Personalized Stationery Sets = $50 with free shipping. Envelope color choices are limited.

One more day only! Stop by my Etsy Shop to make your purchase OR email me.

Cheers!
Emily

GOOD IDEA :: Giant Stationery Sets - 100 in each!


Introducing a new holiday gift idea! From now until December 19, I'll be selling these stationery sets in my Etsy shop as holiday gifts! Each set comes with 100 (!) sets of personalized flat notecards - printed on double thick 110 lb white OR ivory stock - and coordinating envelopes (in any of the colors shown or in an assortment of each).

Each set is $50 with free shipping until December 19!
Purchase in my shop or email me to get started :: emily@ilovegoodpaper.com

Happy holidays!

OH MY GOODNESS


I think a great addition to this little blog will be a new feature I’ll do on the occasional Friday – “Oh my Goodness” featuring all the little things that make life so good, even unexpectedly.
  • Starbucks red cups – These, by far, top my list of signs Fall is in the air and the Holidays are around the corner
  • Blind letterpress – I’m recently in love with this form of printing. I love the simplicity.
  • My sweet husband making me laugh – if you haven’t met Bryan… he is one of the funniest people I’ve ever known. He has an uncanny, unmatched ability to make me laugh even when I am having the worst of days. One of the top 3 reasons I love him to pieces.
  • Traditions – Fall is the season of traditions for my family. A boisterous Christmas White elephant party. A Christmas morning scavenger hunt (for my husband, myself, my brother and my brother’s girlfriend – all of whom are between the ages of 22 and 30). A silly ornament exchange with my husband – we are developing quite the eclectic collection.
  • My mom’s sweet Southern hospitality – my Mom is the best at this. When Bryan and I go home for Christmas, my mom always has our favorite foods baked and waiting (chocolate chip cookies – my weakness in life). She plans our favorite dinners. My dad makes coffee in the evening for everyone while we sit around and chat. Home is so comforting.

Looking forward to spending a week at home this Holiday season. But in the meantime, keep those personal stationery and Holiday photo card orders coming!

* PS: Changes are a'coming for Goodpaper! Slowly but surely. Check out www.ilovegoodpaper.com for the new splash page. A bit of Goodpaper style to tide you over until January 8 and the big reveal!

Personalized Stationery on sale now!


If I do say so myself, personalized stationery makes a great Christmas gift! I've just listed 18 new personalized stationery designs in my Etsy Shop. Prices start at $18 for 16 sets of flat note cards (printed on double thick 110lb cover) paired with coordinating envelopes (colored or kraft). Each set comes packaged in a clear cello sleeve adorned with a ribbon and Goodpaper kraft label. If you're interested in ordering a different quantity, please email me at hello@ilovegoodpaper.com.

Holiday photo cards are in full swing! These are also available in my Etsy Shop. Or, if you'd like a custom design - email me. Happy Holidays!

The Countdown Begins...


Today I read a blog post by Lara Casey, someone whom I’ve never had the joy of meeting but constantly admire, that was just beautiful. I can’t even sum it up for you in my little blog, but I hope you’ll go to hers and visit it. Especially if you’re a Southern Weddings magazine fan… especially if you own your own business… especially if you are working one job to pay the bills and another to complete your heart’s work… especially if you’re young and ambitious and have an idea you can’t wait to run with.

As 2009 begins to draw to a close, I honestly can say I have no idea where it went. Somehow, in twelve short, short months I’ve started a business, changed its name, learned more than I ever thought I would need to know about business, balance and all things paper, celebrated my one-year wedding anniversary with my best friend, adapted to a new home while deeply missing my old one and somehow survived. I can only think that 2010 will bring even more change and excitement for me. Emily Ley Paper started as a small idea… maybe an Etsy shop… maybe a few weddings for friends… and somehow grew into this crazy business called Goodpaper that has brought me so much joy. It’s almost like my child… it’s changed countless times, grown into its own and continues to morph into something bigger than I ever dreamed. I. Cannot. Wait. To. Share. It. With. All. Of. You.

But at times, I find that it sincerely takes over me. I work, for those of you who don’t know this, at the University of South Florida Foundation – handling all development and fundraising as the Assitant Director of Development for the Women in Leadership & Philanthropy program from 8-5. From about 5-midnight/1am, I run Goodpaper… and at least 1/2 of my weekend hours are spent doing the exact same thing. When I wake up in the morning, I go for quick 30 minute run (this is a new habit), then get ready for the day – while reading through emails I missed during the last 5-6 hours. I inhale a kasha granola bar, fill up my coffee cup and head out the door to beat traffic. One thing I can say is that while I am at USF, I devote my time and attention to my program. But instead of lunch dates, I’m typically at FedEx shipping wedding orders or at Staples picking up office supplies. Many days, instead of lunch, I shut my office door and reply to emails and write blog posts. On my way home everyday, I have a phone date with my Mom as I fight the Tampa traffic. When I get home at night, I make dinner 2 or 3 times a week or we eat cheerios or PBJs (we laugh bc we love that we do this… even though the Martha Stewart in me tells me its awful), then by about 6:30 I’m back in my home-studio, filling orders and working on the website. Bryan and I make sure we have a date night at least once a week – he is my sanity.

Without Bryan, I'm not sure I would have ever started this venture. He is so supportive and such an encouragement to me. It was his entrepreneurial spirit that led me to make the leap. He gets so excited over the smallest accomplishments, much like I do. And this project has become one that we share... even when it takes over our living room with photography equipment and he has to help me fold programs during the LSU football game :) I'm a lucky woman.

I am so apprehensive, excited, semi-terrified, nervous and over-the-moon about launching Goodpaper in January. The site is absolutely incredible. And my web designer, Kendra has rolled with each change and shift as Goodpaper becomes a strong brand. The last screenshots I saw took my breath away. It’s Southern. Classic. Simple. And Friendly. My photographers and favorite people on earth, Meg & Charles Baisden did artistic product shots for me as well as headshots that are… perfect and make it all seem so real. I’ll be taking a little over two weeks off in December to enjoy the holidays and wrap up last minute website edits.

I need to learn to unplug myself. But I absolutely cant wait to see what 2010 has in store for Goodpaper. Thanks for your support and for reading this really wordy post. It’s a bit of a ramble, but feels good to share a bit of “me” here.

Cheers,
Emily

GOOD NEWS :: New Stationery in Etsy Shop!


The new Goodpaper Stationery is now available in the Etsy Shop! Everyone loves something with their name on it - so start your holiday shopping early! Sets of 12 are $18.

Each set is printed on double thick 110lb cover (white or ivory) and is paired with coordinating envelopes (your choice or color or assortment). Sets arrive to you packaged in a clear, cello sleeve.

If you're interested in a larger or smaller quantity, shoot me an email and I'll set up a custom listing for you :: hello@ilovegoodpaper.com

GOOD ADVICE :: Never wear pearls before 5pm?

At the heart of Southern style is Southern etiquette. Sometimes it seems like the rules are forever changing. The other day, a dear friend of mine, told me she heard It’s improper to wear pearls before 5pm. I had to laugh! Absurd! But, as it turns out, that is in fact an old Southern tradition. Few woman adhere to the rule (yours truly included) nowadays. I came across this great article from Real Simple today and just had to pass it on. Good advice. (“Good Advice” is also the name of the etiquette section of the new Goodpaper website!) What are your Southern etiquette rules?
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Introducing Yourself to a New Colleague
Aim to: Welcome the new person as soon as you hear she has arrived. Don't wait until you've been in a meeting together or exchanged e-mails, says Jill Bremer, an executive image coach in Oak Park, Illinois.

If you are late: Apologize for being inconsiderate and then show interest in her background, ask how she likes the new job, or invite her to lunch.

Tip: As a company veteran, you'll have an easier time making the first move because the newcomer is probably overwhelmed and can't remember whom she has met.

Welcoming New Neighbors
Aim to: Stop by within a few weeks of their arrival, says Millie Downing, author of the Miss Conduct column in the Boston Globe Magazine. If they're busy unpacking, just say hello and visit later.

If you are late: It's never too late, but if the "new" neighbors have been around long enough to be heading up the block association and you still haven't met, you might ask a mutual friend to make the introductions.

Tip: Prepare a file of useful local information to bring over. Downing suggests delivery menus, area maps, event calendars, and the names and numbers of the best dry cleaner and plumber.

Sending a Get-Well Card or Flowers
Aim to:
Send it as soon as you hear that the person is not well. If she is having surgery or some other short-term treatment, send your card after the procedure.

If you are late: Mail a card that says you've been thinking about the person, and apologize for not contacting her during the illness.

Tip: If you don't know what the person's condition is, try to contact friends or family before sending anything. If the person's health is deteriorating quickly, a get-well card might not be appropriate.

Sending a Condolence Note
Aim to:
Get it there within a few days of the funeral. "You don't want to drag it out for the family," says Crane's Stationery spokesman Peter Hopkins. "People need to start recovering."

If you are late: If you're late writing the note, explain that you've had difficulty expressing your feelings on paper.

Tip: Flowers are not always welcome. The family might prefer a donation to a charity in the deceased's name. (Check with the funeral home.) If donations are requested, make one within two months.

Hosting a Bridal Shower
Aim to: Throw the shower about two months before the wedding, says Los Angeles wedding planner Mindy Weiss. This allows the bride to send thank-yous before the final wave of wedding preparations.

If you are late: Don't be. If you're not up to the responsibility of planning the shower, pass it off to someone who is.

Tip: Without burdening her with details, ask the bride-to-be about her expectations concerning gifts, games, food and drink, and whether men should be included.

Sending a Wedding Gift
Aim to:
Send a gift to the bride's home before the wedding. "You do not have a year to send a wedding gift," says Peggy Post, author of Emily Post's Etiquette 17th Edition ($26.50, amazon.com). "That is a myth."

If you are late: Etiquette rules are rules. But, honestly, newlyweds (and even two-year-weds) are always pleasantly surprised by a thoughtful, albeit late, gift. And the bride has probably heard the one-year "rule," too.

Tip: If you send the wedding gift too early, it may be mistaken for an engagement or shower gift. Wait until you receive the wedding invitation.

Hosting a Baby Shower
Aim to:
Host the shower four to six weeks before the due date. Consult with the mother-to-be about timing: Some women, due to health complications or religious custom, prefer to wait until after the child is born.

If you are late: If a shower is delayed so long that the baby is already teething, consider offering to help out with an open house for the newly enlarged family, or to host a first-birthday party.

Tip: In the past, baby showers were held for first babies only. Today showers for second- and third-borns are more common, with gifts often focusing more on the mother than on the practical needs of a newborn.

Sending a Gift for a New Baby
Aim to:
Get a gift to the house within three weeks of the birth, or bring it over the first time you see the baby. If you already gave a baby-shower gift, you don't have to send a second present.

If you are late: "Select something that can be used by the growing child," says Downing. Or give a gift card that lets the parents choose exactly what they need and spares them the hassle of store returns.

Tip: Check in with the new parents around the five-week point. By this time, the phone calls have died down and reality (and shell-shocked exhaustion) is setting in. Talking to an adult may be a treat.

Sending a Birthday Card or Gift
Aim to:
Get it there a few days before or after the birthday. Try to be timely with gifts for kids, who may be less understanding than adults about late gifts.

If you are late: Send the gift anyway. In your card, write something like "It took a lot longer than I thought to find the perfect present," suggests Hopkins.

Tip: When you jot down a birthday on your calendar, make a note to send the card or gift five days before, or set the alarm on your PDA.

Giving a Housewarming Gift
Aim to:
Bring a gift the first time you're invited over, or send one when you receive the change-of-address mailing. If you know there will be a housewarming, you can wait to deliver your gift then.

If you are late: Don't worry about it. "Housewarming gifts are not obligatory," Post says.

Tip: "Don't give someone a gift before she moves," Post says. "That's one more thing she'll have to pack."

Returning a Phone Call
Aim to: Return a business call the same day. "Anything past 24 hours is too late for most people in business," Bremer says. Downing recommends that you return personal calls within two days.

If you are late: Apologize with a simple "I'm sorry." Avoid explanations unless you have a very good excuse.

Tip: If you don't have time for a long conversation with a friend who has left a message, send an e-mail saying when you will call back.

Returning an E-mail
Aim to: Respond to business e-mails within 48 hours. (Any later than that is bad for your image at work.) Try to show friends the same courtesy. Make sure to use the automatic out-of-office reply when you're away.

If you are late: "If you know you can't respond in a timely fashion, at least send an e-mail to say you're in a time crunch and will get back to the person as soon as you can," Bremer suggests.

Tip: Complex instructions―or anything that might trigger a lot of back-and-forth messages―may be better dealt with over the phone.

Staying at a Friend’s Home
Aim to: The "fish and guests stink after three days" rule is useful, but close friends may want you for a longer time. Stick to the original dates, even if they insist you stay longer, says Downing.

If you are late: If unavoidable events prevent your leaving on time, offer to take your hosts to dinner so you can relieve them of cooking duties.

Tip: Don't show up with unexpected guests. If you're not sure who's invited, ask politely.

Sending a Thank-You Note
Aim to: Mail it within two days of receiving a gift, being a guest at someone's home, or enjoying any other act of kindness. Notes for holiday and wedding gifts can wait until the frenzy of the event ends.

If you are late: "Write a thinking-of-you note instead," says Hopkins. Mention that you still recall the wonderful dinner or that you've been enjoying their gift.

Tip: A job-interview thank-you note should be mailed the same day, Bremer says.

photo above by Joe Scafuro