I was scrolling through Instagram the other day and saw that Jade wasn’t feeling too hot. Sending a card was on my to-do list, so I pulled one out and started writing. I’m never as eloquent in my cards as I hope to be, which probably has something to do with the fact that I refuse to write out my message on scratch paper first. I guess I like the spontaneity of writing directly on the card as the thoughts come. So bring it on awkward transitions and misspellings, nothing new here!

Oh! And I followed a blog reader’s advice and included one of my favorite teas as a little treat. Such a great idea. Thanks Jennifer!

PS: Remember, if you’d like a card sent your way, the offer still stands! Email me at offswitchmagazine@gmail.com with your name, mailing address, and a short introduction. And I will absolutely be sending out cards to all of you who have emailed me already. Thank you for your patience!

Click to see the entire 52 Cards series!

I am incredibly behind on my “52 Cards” project. Instead of quitting, I’ve amended the rules and given myself a break (see the newly adjust subtitle above). And rather then featuring just one card in this return post, I thought I would share the thank you notes I wrote for the 24th birthday I celebrated last weekend.

Growing up, my mom would always suggest jotting down the gift(s) each person gave on the back of the corresponding card. That way, when you sit down to write your notes you already have a list of who to thank and a reminder of what for. It’s a simple little trick to help write more thoughtful and specific thank you notes, I think. Above you can see the list I wrote out on a small piece of paper as an example of this idea…

PS: Remember, if you’d like a card sent your way, the offer still stands! Email me at offswitchmagazine@gmail.com with your name, mailing address, and a short introduction. And I will absolutely be sending out cards to all of you who have emailed me already; thank you for your patience!

Click to see the entire 52 Cards series!

Sending 1 card a week, for 52 weeks, in 2013.

My cousin Ginger and her man Stephen welcomed a little baby boy this past month! Yesterday my mom and I stopped by to meet Harrison and give our congratulations. He is such a cutie — and so well behaved! I signed up for The Honest Company’s free baby diaper and wipe sample package with Harrison in mind. I knew Ginger would be interested in learning more about Jessica Alba’s toxin free home and baby products company, and this seemed like a great way to introduce her to them!

PS: Remember, if you’d like a card sent your way, the offer still stands! Email me at offswitchmagazine@gmail.com with your name, mailing address, and a short introduction.

Click to see the entire 52 Cards series!

Happy Monday, everyone! Boy have I got a treat for you today. Lately I’ve been in contact with the folks over at The Impossible Project, and they kindly offered to send me a Polaroid camera and two of their PX 680 film packs to give away to one of you! Whether you’re an instant pro or newbie, this giveaway package is for anyone who likes taking pictures. What’s that? You like taking pictures? Wonderful! You can enter up to two times. Check out the details below:

1) Tell me how you live your life without an off switch! Remember, it doesn’t have to be something big and life changing. Living without an off switch could be as simple as doing more jigsaw puzzles because you love them. So, what’s one way you’re living your life without an off switch? Share your answer with me in the comments below for entry #1!

2) This bonus entry is for all our offswitchmag followers on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and this blog! You only have to follow on one of those social media sites, so if you haven’t already, take a look at the links in the right sidebar, click follow on at least one of them, and comment on this post to let me know through which outlet(s) you follow Off Switch. There is only one bonus entry allowed per person.

Good luck, friends! This giveaway will close on Tuesday, February 26, 2013.

***Polaroids in bottom photo not included.

UPDATE: We have a winner! Lauren Brimley won the Impossible Project giveaway and has been contacted. Thanks to all who entered!

Sending 1 card a week, for 52 weeks, in 2013.

For the past several years I’ve given my mom a handmade card on Valentine’s Day. Each one is different and unique. With these special cards I make a point to let my mom know how appreciative I am of her love for me — as well as her support for everything I do. This woman is the one talking me off a ledge nearly every week, the one who reads over all my blog posts before I hit publish, encourages me to keep going, offers to ride along on errands so I won’t be alone, and any other kind and thoughtful thing you can think of. She’s pretty wonderful. And I love her. Happy Valentine’s Day, Mom! x

PS: Remember, if you’d like a card sent your way, the offer still stands! Email me at offswitchmagazine@gmail.com with your name, mailing address, and a short introduction.