A lot of young men + women are starting {have started} college this week. This is a new + terrifyingly exciting chapter to open in their lives. But as a parent, things are digested differently. This week could mean the start to a new journey for them too, as an empty nester.

My baby brother moved to college today. My mom is a wreck. This has been her purpose for the last 20+ years of her life :: to meet the needs of her kids. She is questioning her existence + wondering what her new point will be. It's difficult to realize that we can reach this point {age} in our lives where moments feel shorter + chapters in our life breeze by.

So how do we maintain sanity in all of this transition? How do you slow down the moments that matter + pay attention to the relationships that matter in a world that is fast-forwarding constantly? Here are four tips to find help navigate the transition thoughtfully + intentionally ::

Communicate

Set up a way to communicate often + thoughtfully with your student. Find a system {email, phone calls, text messages} that allows you to build a thoughtful + consistent relationship, while maintainting boundaries that support his or her newfound independence away from home. Be creative.

Be spontaneous

Send care packages :: their favorite foods, personalized stationery or just a funny momento you found lying around the house. It's good to have familiar comforts of home in their new setting.

Plan Ahead

Plan a visit to their school or something special for when they're home on break. Concrete plans will give both you + your child something to look forward to + it will seemingly cut down on wait time between visits.

Try new things

Remember, you will always be a parent, that will never change. This is a lifetime job, it's just the job description that changes. Have fun with your newfound freedom. Learn something you're curious about. Read. Write. The opportunities are endless.

September holds so much fresh promise. Here's a list of five must-have notes to keep on hand. It will keep you prepared to shower the important people in your life with the proper praise.

 

Thank You Notes

You never know when a moment will present itself for you to be grateful. Giving a note of thanks is a great way leave a positive mark on a memorable moment. Keep a variety on hand so you have the appropriate card for every recipient.

 

Birthday + Anniversary

Save yourself from missing important dates. Keep a few broad-appealing birthday + anniversary cards on hand. You'll be ready for any moment, no matter how last minute.

 

Oh, Baby

Every season introduces new expectant parents. Keep a couple of congratulatory cards handy, no matter the due date. Don't forget to congratulate sibilings, grandparents or even godparents -- this is a special moment for them too.

 

Cards of Comfort

These cards are very important to keep around. A comfort card can truly make a difference in the lives of someone who has experienced loss, sickness, or just a difficult couple of days. A simple, heartfelt note can big a difference. Not sure how to word it? Keep it simple, be honest + heartfelt. Don't be afraid to express your sympathy by directly acknowledging their loss or their pain.

 

Blank Cards

The must-have note. You can transform a blank card into any of the notes listed above. For September, blank cards are a great way to wish great success to a new school year {a new college student or teacher}, congratulate on a new job or just to say hello during such a busy season.

Farewell sweet summer. Hello bold + beautiful fall.

September, the true "new year". A time for fresh endeavors, new faces + unexpected {but embraced} opportunities. Kick off the season right, revitalize your desk, refresh your calling card design + start planning special moments with important people in your life. Behold the treasures that await you in the warm days + cool nights of September. Cheers!

Sizes :: 1024x768, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1680x1050, 1920x1200

iPhone Wallpaper

 

Android Wallpaper

 

Need help setting your wallaper to your smart phone? Try these instructions, right from your phone!

1. Find our latest calendar post at blog.redstamp.com
2. Scroll down + select the proper phone/tablet image
3. Save image ::
   • For iPhone/iPad/Android users ::
     • Click + hold down image until phone asks you to "Save Image". Save.
   • For BlackBerry users ::
     • Highlight the wallpaper
     • Press the "Menu" key
     • Click "Save Image"
     • Click "Save"

To apply to an iPhone/iPad

1. Go into your settings folder {from your phone}
2. Select "Wallpaper"
3. Choose "Camera Roll"
4. Scroll down to select your latest stylish RedStamp calendar + select. It will set as your wallpaper

To apply to your Android Phone

1. From your Home Screen open up settings + select "Wallpaper"
2. Choose "Gallery" + click into the "Downloads" folder
3. Select your latest stylish RedStamp calendar
4. Resize to your personal preference {using the touchscreen} + click to save. It will set as your wallpaper.

To apply to your BlackBerry

1. On the Home Screen, click the "Media" icon
2. Click pictures
3. Browse + select your latest stylish RedStamp calendar
4. Click to "Set as Wallpaper".

 

A new school year has begun for many + will soon begin for all. This new start can be a stressful whirlwind for new + seasoned teachers alike.

Help them ease into their school year + surprise them with personalized notes or a library stamp. Both are a great way to salute a new year in a kind + stylish way.

Don't pack up summer yet! With September five days away, it's important to take hold of these precious August moments.

1. Make some sun tea {any recipe will do the trick}. Then go to the beach while it steeps.

2. Cool off in the afternoon with homemade ice cream cones.

3. Go for a Sunday drive. Grab a map + your keys. Get in the car + just drive {who knows what treasure you'll find}.

4. Surprise a good friend with a bottle of wine + good conversation {don't forget to attach a little note to brighten their day}.

5. Stay up late {watch movies, journal, read to your children} + sleep in late the next day.

These are moments to savor. Happy Friday.

August has six more days to share with you. Have a picnic!

Here are two yummy recipes to get you started! Don't forget the fresh squeezed lemonade + good company.

"Dad's" FAVORITE Potato Salad {from the kitchen of Rachel Richards aka Mom}

• 14 small red potatoes - boiled
• 1/2 to 1 full bag of bacon bits {about a cup}
• 6 hard boiled eggs
• 1/3 c red onion chopped
• 1 c of your fav. ranch dressing
• salt + pepper

1. Boil potatoes {keep the skins on} - cut into chunks

2. Boil eggs, peel + chop

3. Mix all together

Reuben Burgers {from the kitchen of Sarah Haulston}

• 1lb ground beef
• 8 oz sauerkraut {drained}
• 4 oz corned beef
• 5 slices of swiss cheese
• 1/4 c onion, chopped finely
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

1. Mix together everything except sauerkraut + swiss cheese

2. Divide into 5 equal parts + form into patties

3. Place on grill + cook

4. Top w/ sauerkraut + 1 slice of swiss cheese. Grill until melted.

5. Serve on toasted rye buns

 

 

Opportunity waits around the corner + brings with it a bevy of new experiences, new faces + new chances to correspond.

Let's do it stylishly.

Important Events

Think about the important moments right around the corner + plan accordingly.

Be the hostess with the mostess :: When hosting a small-to-medium party, send out invitations so they arrive two to three weeks before the event. For a bigger events or an event scheduled during a busy holiday season, send your invitation four weeks in advance. This gives your {busy} guests ample amount of time to save the date + for you to finalize important party details.

The Modern Guest :: Reply to invitations within three to five days of receipt when possible. If you are unable to make it, a brief reason is not necessary, but courteous. Reply in the requested manner {email, phone, mail}.

Network. Network. Network.

There are so many new faces in your future, greet them warmly.

 It's great to always keep a note on hand for those unseen, yet remarkable moments. A short stack of personalized stationery is a great way to personalize correspondence + leave a signifcant mark in the recipients memory. It's important to have notes that reflect your character. It can also be helfpul to personalize your stationery with your contact information for more professional exchanges. Whatever the reason, be prepared to impress.

Cards + Gifts

Life will start to pick up with the start of a new season. Don't miss the moments that matter.

Be prepared to recognize important moments in the lives of your family, friends + colleagues with thoughtful gifts + handwritten notes. Celebrate birthdays with the perfect cards, send encouragement to your friends during busy {trying} days at work + recognize your hostesses with the mostess with a personalized gift + note of thanks. These gestures will not only touch the lives the recipient, but will cause you to pause remember milestones as they happen.

 

 

 

Mine didn't.

This is Kara Kurth, one of the lucky ladies who designs for RedStamp.com. Though I pinch myself daily for the opportunity to work at such an inspiring place, my desk was less than inspired. {My fault.} It was filled with bulky equipment that I no longer used. I am a visual person and needed a change.

For months I said I was going to do a big desk redo and finally one day I just did it. The finished product makes me smile.

Here are a few ways I warmed up my desk ::

• My very own little light source
• A living breathing plant
• Antique metal boxes, glass containers + toast rack
• Great desk items
• Chemistry beaker {used as pencil jar}
• Snow + Graham Desk Calendar
• Cut-up accounting paper {used for notes}

 

 

1. Snow & Graham bright note pads {big + small} :: Make all your notes POP.

2. Knock Knock Mousepad :: This will keep you in-line daily.

3. Cavallini Topiary Eraser :: Celebrate summer all year 'round.

4. Crystal Pencils :: Add a sparkle to your desk.

5. Cavallini Paris Collage File Folders :: Express your world-traveler.

Friday's Daily Deal :: FREE SHIPPING on all orders $50 or more with promo code FRISHIP. Have some fun!

colorful. modern. fresh. these are a few of our favorite things.