The Art of Appreciation

Even in today's high-tech, instant-results culture, there is still nothing like receiving a hand-written note. No matter what your thoughts are regarding proper etiquette, it is always proper to send someone a note of appreciation. Pre-written thank-you notes and emailed thank-yous just don't cut it. Something is to be said for taking time out to write a personal message, address the envelope and buy a stamp and, then, dropping the note in the mail.

Not only do written notes make a bigger impression, but they also make a longer-lasting impression. How many times do you save a handwritten note as compared to keeping an email of the same nature? Hard copies of letters from parents, grandparents and inspiring people are much easier to pass along to the next generation. Michele, who's father passed away suddenly when she was 20, would have hardly any remembrance of his writing if it weren't for the letters he wrote to her. Emails just don't carry the same sentiment...nor are they as pretty. :)

Business Birthdays

It is no secret that this is Papers Unique's 40th year in business. We are so thankful for all the loyal customers the Lord Jesus has given to us. You can call it our anniversary or birthday, but the truth is you cannot really send a card to a business - well, I guess, you technically can - because it is just a place and not a person. You can, however, celebrate the people who work and shop there. (Now, I am not asking for you to send us cards - although you can if you want! :). Wouldn't it be cool if the businesses themselves celebrated their staff members and their customers? We have a customer who is a business owner that is doing just that. He sends personalized birthday cards and anniversary cards to his customers every month. He orders the cards from us, sends us the name to put on the front and we print them in one to two business days for him to send out. Isn't that a great idea? Do you have a business or know of a business that is interested in blessing its employees or the people it serves in this way? We can help! We have hundreds of card designs to choose from and our turn-around time is the fastest in Louisville. Plus, who doesn't love a note of good wishes on their birthday!

Indulge in a Sweet Summer Treat!

July is National Ice Cream Month. Very fitting. Who doesn't want a cold, sweet treat on these steamy summer days? There is a great way to celebrate this month-long occasion: hold an ice cream social! What better way to hang out with your friends than bonding over ice cream! You could have an Ice Cream Sundae Bar with all the good stuff (hot fudge, sprinkles, nuts, fruit) or just keep it simple with waffle cones and a carton of ice cream. Don't miss out on a great excuse to indulge in some frozen, yummy goodness!

Sip and See

Over the last few weeks, we have been focusing on new types of baby showers. I definitely feel like I am in the middle of a baby boom. We have had all kinds of women in Papers Unique who are either expecting a baby or throwing a shower for a friend that is expecting one. Most of us, when we plan a baby shower, we try to find a date before the baby's due date, but have you thought about throwing one after the baby is born? This type of shower is like a meet and greet for baby and it is called a Sip and See. The event is as its name suggests - meet the new little bundle of joy while sipping on a drink. While it is common to offer alcoholic drinks like wine and champagne, soda, tea and coffee can also be provided to "sip" on. This type of shower is a growing trend and gives the new mommy a chance to show of her precious gift from the Lord.

Just a Sprinkle

Last week we were all about Granny Showers and this week we are going to continue the Baby Shower Theme. What do you do when you want to throw a shower for someone who is having their 2nd or 3rd or 8th child? What if the Mommy-to-be has all boys and is having her first girl? Baby showers are technically only for first-time moms, but there is a way you can still bless a repeat-mom with what she needs for her newest addition. Have a Baby Sprinkle! Unlike a full-blown baby shower where the new parents are starting from scratch, the purpose of a baby sprinkle is to "sprinkle" them with the basic things they need to welcome the next member of their family (diapers, clothes).

A New Kind of Baby Shower

We have had several customers come in looking for baby shower invitations during these past few days. Baby showers are a great way to celebrate these precious new lives and their families. There is a growing trend in throwing baby showers that extends past blessing the new mommy and daddy to helping preparing the grandparents as well. It is called a Granny or Grandma Shower. A grandma's first baby shower is designed to shower her with everything she will need to do her job well - which is primarily to spoil her grandchild! Our own Michele had a Granny Shower last fall to prepare her for Baby Kayley (who is now 6 months old!). This was the invitation:

Save this Summer with Crane!

As many of you know, Crane is the absolute best in personal stationery. Their paper is made of 100% cotton, which makes it both high quality and environmentally friendly. This summer Crane is running a couple of fantastic promotion and we are proud to offer them to you!

First, for the very first time, you can purchase a 50-piece set of personalized Crane stationery for only $59 (plus shipping and tax). This is a savings of $45 or more! You can choose from a variety of pre-designed folded notes, flat card or letter sheets. This is an excellent price for Crane!

Second, Crane has extended their Buy 75, Get 25 Free Stationery Sale. This promotion allows you more flexibility than the first one because it allows you to choose any Crane stock, any ink color and any typestyle and/or monogram.

Both of these sales are for a limited time, so if you have ever thought about trying Crane for the first time, this is your chance!