Hello Monday’s: How to Make Someone’s Day

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Have you ever seen a family member, friend, colleague or a perfect stranger having a bad day?  I have and when that happens, my first instinct is………how can I make their day?

I want to encourage them and make them smile.  I want to make sure they know they are valuable to many people.  My goal everyday is to let everyone around me know they matter and they are loved.

Today, I want to show you that it can be fairly easy to make someone’s day.

ENCOURAGEMENT

The truth is I’m an optimistic person and I truly care about people.  I physically feel the pain of others if they are hurting.  I feel it in my stomach when they cry or are in physical or emotional pain.  It’s more than empathy and compassion.  It’s a strong feeling of wanting to help those in need.

This is something that I have felt even as a small child.  If you are stuggling I want to make sure you’re ok.  I am overwhelmed with concern for people who are upset, trying to handle their situation and felling like they have no one who cares.

Here’s my little bit of wisdom…..we can’t fix it.  We can’t take away the pain or suffering that someone else is going through.  We can hold their hand, give them a hug and LISTEN.  Let them talk and no matter how much you want to say THE RIGHT thing just LISTEN. Many times my words just make things worse which is the exact opposite of what my goal is.  I call this, “foot in mouth” syndrome.  So BREATHE.  Let them vent…….be with them.  Ultimately, this comforts them and they know someone is there and that person cares.

It’s simple really, you let them talk and you LISTEN.  By you being there, you are bringing them what they need at that moment.  They know that they are not alone and in that instant that is what helps.  You don’t realize how just being there with them helps.

To make someone’s day:

  • Be thereClose-up of doctor holding senior patient hand sitting in wheelchair
  • Listen
  • Send a “hang in there” or “I’m thinking of you” text
  • Write a note and send it in the mail.  This is something that requires your time.  There is something about getting a card or letter in the mail.  It’s living proof that someone loves you.  They care enough to take the time to write and send you a note to tell you how much you are loved and thought of!
  • Be creative – bring them a meal, send flowers, take the time to call and talk to them
  • Do something that you would love done for you

10 AMAZING THINGS ABOUT YOU, YES YOU!

  1. You are AWE-inspiring.
  2. You can reach the stars if that’s your goal.
  3. Don’t compare yourself to other people – – – let them compare themselves to YOU!
  4. Obstacles will come so be prepared to “hurdle them”.
  5. You are powerful.
  6. Don’t give up – – – you’re so close to what you have been working so hard for!
  7. You are exquisite.
  8. Nothing can stop you.
  9. Be open to change….it’s hard but worth it!
  10. Know your value — YOU ARE PRICELESS!

I know that reading these things you might be saying to yourself, that’s not me.  These are all truths about you.  You may have a hard time seeing these things about yourself but they are all true.  Read them over and over until you believe them and can say to yourself YES this is me!

LOVE

I know that we are all busy and we have lives.  There are people all around us that are hurting, depressed, have no hope, and they just need someone to “see” them!  When we take the time to look around, there’s no doubt we will see those who need us.  Are we actually willing to stop what we are doing to do something for those in need?  In that moment it could be life changing for that person but more importantly it could change us as well.
It doesn’t have to take a lot of your time.  Just think, if all of us stopped for a few minutes and looked around with the sole purpose to see someone in need, then did something about it…..what would our world look like?  Every small act of kindness will make HUGE impact. Would you be willing to put yourself out there?

My challenge for myself is to take the time to be available.  It will not only make someone’s day, it always makes mine too!  Will you join me in this challenge?

Shelly

Did this post make you think about those you know or don’t know but you’ve seen?  Maybe this is how you live all the time.  I would really like to know what you think of this post.  Please leave me your comments and feel free to share this post with your family and friends!  I hope this week brings you great joy!  Contact me at shelly@mel.paulcarlwebdev.com.  I look forward to hearing from you.  All my best,  Shelly XOXO

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5 Facts About Postage Costs That’ll Keep You up at Night

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It’s all so exciting…..you just met with the wedding stationery specialist! You looked at a lot of different invitations; you really liked more than one design. This might be a difficult decision. You’re leaning towards a 5″ square style with RSVP and information cards. It has 3 rhinestone embellishments adhered to a petal enclosure envelope. Finally, it’s all wrapped up with a sheer ribbon bow. All of this is enclosed in a lined envelope for a mailing size of 5 1/2″ square. You really love this invitation suite until you find out – – It’s going to cost over $2 to mail each one!!! Don’t panic, we have some tips to help you keep the cost in check.

There are a few things to keep in mind before we get into the facts. 2016 Postage rates in the United States are:

wedding-stamps

Up to 1oz $0.49
Up to 2oz $0.71
Up to 3oz $0.93

You can pretty much expect that your invitations will be over 1 ounce, but it is possible to keep them under 2 ounces. Keeping the size, shape, thickness & weight in check can help hold the postage down. So with all this in mind, here are the facts:

c50Fact #1 – Size Matters

5” X 7” is the standard invitation size and would be the largest envelope size you should use.  As long as the finished product with the envelope is less than 2 ounces, first class postage is $0.71. Another first class stamp for your RSVP envelope and you’re at $1.20 to mail your invitations. An optional size you might want to consider is 4” x 6”. It will take weight off of the total package and may help you come in under budget!

Fact #2 – Out of Shape

Square envelopes are considered “non-machinable” by the Post Office and carry a $0.22 surcharge. Basically, that means each non-machinable piece of mail gets hand metered. Using our example from fact #1, you’re now up to $0.93.

Fact #3 – Heavy Paper Warning

Using heavier card stock adds elegance to any invitation suite. It also has the potential to drive postage costs up as well.  You may be able to come in under 2 ounces if you use a lighter stock for the RSVP & information cards, so keep this in mind when making your choices.

Fact #4 – Embellish Wisely

Embellishments such as rhinestones will have to be small. Larger embellishments can cause stress on the envelope and tear it. Most likely, this type of invitation will be considered non-machinable by the Post Office unless the rhinestones are really small. When using bows or other decorations, choose ones that are not too bulky. They will add weight and bulk which leads to…you guessed it, more postage. Do you see a theme developing here???

FACT #5 – Maximum Thicknessmail-template

Up to this point, everything we’ve talked about contributes to the weight of the product. The final thing to remember is the finished product in the envelope cannot be more than ¼” thick. At the post office they have a letter-size mail dimensional standards template. You are required to check the thickness and height standards by sliding the envelope through a  ¼” slot lengthwise. If it doesn’t pass through it could end up costing the parcel post rate which is $2.54 per invitation. That would be $254.00 for 100 invitations  plus tax which, in our area, Central New York is 8% equals $274.32. Yikes!

Now, don’t panic! I know just thinking about all of this is too much. E-vites sound really good right now don’t they. Don’t do it. It’s ok……..breathe.

The most important things to remember are these:

  • Choose the style of invitation you want. Square is ok, it’s just going to cost more in postage.
  • Keep your embellishments light so it will go through the template at the post office.
  • To be safe do a test, take an unsealed invitation that’s all together to the post office to be measured before you put postage on the RSVP return envelope and on the outer envelope.
  • The less bulkier the better.

The resources used for this information were found on usps.com.

Melody Creek is located in LaFayette, New York. My name is Shelly Whyland and I am one of the owners and designers. We make custom handmade wedding invitation and  stationery as well as invitations for birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers, retirement parties, holiday parties, all-occasion cards and so much more. Contact us today for a free consultation. We look forward to helping you design what ever you are looking for!

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Hello Monday’s – Point of View

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img_2781.jpgLife from the mountaintops is pretty impressive compared to seeing it from the valley.  When I started writing this post, we were in the Catskills and the view was spectacular, you could see far and wide.  Not that being in the valley the view isn’t beautiful as well.  Being on ground level looking up is very different than being on top looking out. These are two incredible perspectives, yet vastly different.

In my opinion, we need both views to appreciate the view from the top.  I have found that in my life, I appreciate the amazing mountaintops all the more, because I have walked and or climbed through the valley to reach the top of the mountain.

Footpath in green forest. Early springtime forest at sunset.

Hiking

I’m not a mountain climber technically; I don’t use any special equipment or anything like that.  I like to hike and be outdoors.  So, I follow trails that are already broken by others that have gone before me.  Sometimes that leads to mountaintops and I love the view from there.  I don’t like heights very much so looking down as I’m going up, or even once I’ve gotten to the top, can be scary.  I keep my focus on the prize and once I’m there I’m glad I reached the top.  Now of course, going back down isn’t much fun, especially for me as I’m blind in one eye and my depth perception is way off.  I’m sure I freak out the people I’m with, because I just don’t see that well and I miss my step a lot or take these huge steps, because it’s what looks right to me.

Perception has to do with how we see ourselves, others and everything around us.  Perspective depends on what we see and how we relate to it.  It all comes down to “point of view” doesn’t it?

ENCOURAGEMENT

Question Marks Over Man Shows Confusion And Uncertainty

Question Marks Confusion And Uncertainty

I don’t know if you’re like me, but I hate to be wrong.  I really don’t like messing up!  I make a lot of mistakes when it comes to words.  My brain sometimes processes faster than the words that are coming out of my mouth, so, I just either say the wrong word or I can’t get the right word out.  This can be extremely frustrating, because I either have people laughing at me or looking at me like I’ve completely lost it.  Admittedly, sometimes I have, the words are there, but I really struggle to get them out.

I want to be encouraging and have a word of encouragement on my lips all the time.  That can be so difficult for me at times.  My heart is in the right place, but the words just aren’t there or I can’t express them the right way!  When that happens I feel so inadequate and I should just not say anything, because I know that I’m just going to mess up and people are going to laugh at me and/or think I’m stupid.  This is how I feel about myself when I can’t get my words to come out the way I planned.  Not that I need to be perfect, although I can be a perfectionist sometimes.  Maybe it’s that I don’t like being laughed at or feeling stupid.  I’m a literal person and I’ve been told that I have no “sense of humor” and I take things “too seriously”.  The bottom line is I should lighten up and not be so hard on myself!

I shouldn’t take it personally, because I know that it comes down to “point of view”.  I really can’t help the “brain fog”, it’s just something that happens, but I fight through it and keep going.  We all go through things that are hard to fight through and keep going.  I don’t mean to downplay anything that you might be going through I just hope you surround yourself with people that pick you up when you are down and cheer you on!

POSITIVE QUOTE

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10 THINGS TO ENCOURAGE YOU (YES, YOU)

  1. You ARE amazing.
  2. Today will never come again, so encourage someone!
  3. You CAN be brave.
  4. Take the time to stop and care for those in need around you.
  5. Let your words heal, and not wound.
  6. Step away from those who do not encourage you.
  7. Always know how valuable and uniquely beautiful you are.
  8. Make today the BEST day ever!
  9. Don’t compromise what you BELIEVE in just because someone thinks it’s ridiculous.
  10. Take a RISK it’s worth giving it ALL you have.

LOVE

When you are going through difficult times and it’s hard to put things in perspective, take a breath and be still.  By taking some time to breathe, you just might discover a sense of peace.  We all go through hard stuff.  Maybe it has to do with finances, relationships, employment or health issues. Life happens and facing what gets thrown at us head on can be daunting.  

I have an amazing husband, family and very close friends that are my “go to” people.  They have been with me through some of the most difficult life challenges ever.  They pick me up when I am down.  Because I know they love me, I can face anything.  I can call on them anytime of the day or night and they will be there for me.

My hope for you is that you have people like this in your life and that they love you beyond measure!  You are precious and what you go through matters to those around you.  Whether you think people care or not, I know that they do. People don’t always know how to express themselves when their loved ones are going through horrible and awful things. Be patient they too are going through this with you and are concerned and really want to help.

If you found this uplifting and encouraging let me know.  Please contact me, with any comments.  I really appreciate and welcome feedback and those comments.  If you have an idea for a topic blog post send them to me at shelly@mel.paulcarlwebdev.com.  I look forward to hearing from you.  Have an INCREDIBLE week and know that you are loved!