Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers out there!

Mother’s Day is a special day for us to thank those caring, loving women who have brought meaning to our lives and taught us so much. Enjoy your day!

Postage Increase Takes Effect Monday, May 11th

Yes, up it goes again! It seems to be that time of year again . . . time for the United States Postal Service (USPS) to make another price increase for 1-ounce First Class mail as well as other mailing services.

Starting next Monday, May 11, it will cost $0.44 to mail a 1-once First Class letter in this country. Since 2006, the USPS has increased the postage rate on a First Class letter by $0.05, from $0.39 to $0.44. Not a distinct increase if compared to increases in such commodities as gasoline, electric, and such, but enough to make some wedding invitation clients to ask if they can invite wedding guests and have guests reply via an email address rather than through the mail. On this topic I strongly encourage all clients to use the USPS for extending their wedding invitations to guests and for the safe return of response cards. For other, less formal events, such as a Fourth of July back yard BBQ, children’s birthday parties, or a casual wine party on a Friday night, you can use an email address to send the invitation and as the method for response. More formal events, like weddings, make a trip down to your local post office or go on-line t0 http://www.usps.com/ and order your wedding postage today!

Remember, regardless of when purchased, customers can use their Forever Stamps in order to mail 1-ounce letters after May 11, without the need for additional postage.

Add style and a cohesive look to your invitation suite by designing your own postage stamps from one of these on-line photo stamp design options:
http://www.zazzle.com/ - http://www.snapfish.com/ - http://www.photo.stamps.com/

It's Derby Day!

Each year, on the first Saturday in May, horse race lovers and those who just enjoy a good time being where the action is converge into Louisville, Kentucky for the historical running of the Kentucky Derby. This year is the 135th running of the Run for the Roses and is expected to be as exciting as ever. I’m not sure if the main excitement surrounds the actual race, the elaborate and glamorous hats, or the notorious mint juleps! But, whatever the reason, you can bring the excitement of the derby home by throwing a derby party of your own!

Start your party off with serve a traditional mint julep –

Start with the following ingredients:

- 3 sprigs of fresh mint
- 2 teaspoons of cold water
- 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of finely crushed ice
- 2 ½ ounces of bourbon
- Silver julep cup or favorite high ball glass

Tear off leaves of 2 sprigs of fresh mint and place in bottom of glass.
Add water and sugar and muddle with mint leaves.
Fill glass with crush ice and add bourbon.
Stir and garnish with remaining sprig of fresh mint.
Serve with a straw and enjoy!

Create a festive décor using bright colors – red, yellow, blue, green, purple, orange! Decorate your tables with colorful cloths, place mats, and napkins to resemble silks – the early 18th century method of keeping track of whose horse was whose by assigning each horse and jockey a specific color, called a silk. Hang colored flags outside or create a strand of silks by using fishing line, fabric swatches or construction paper, and tape. (They look similar to prayer flags)

Don’t forget the children! Create a “kids corner” and allow the kids to design and decorate stick horses to race! Add a few kid friendly snacks too!

Coverage of the derby begins at 1 pm PST, on NBC. Remember, it is the greatest two minutes in sports!

Have fun!

Happy May Day!

Many countries celebrate May Day on May 1. May Day is synonymous with International Workers' Day, or Labor Day, which celebrates the social and economic achievements of the labor movement. As a day of celebration the holiday has ancient origins. Traditions surrounding May Day vary from region to region and country to country, but one thing is common – the use of flowers! Flowers and ribbon are used to adorn May Day Poles in many countries and one popular tradition is to secretly hang a basket of flowers or other small gifts on the doorknob of neighbors. Happy Spring!