Ignoring R.s.v.p. is R.u.d.e.

R.s.v.p. is short for the French "Repondez s'il vous plait." It means "Please reply."

The trend toward disregarding the reply process completely escapes me. What is the point? Someone took the time to think of you and include you on their invitation list, does it really take that long to dial the phone number or shoot a quick e-mail to the address listed and indicate whether or not you will be in attendance? We are all so busy, but how hard is it to mark the Response Card, put it in the envelope (which should have postage already applied) and drop it in the mail? Now, on occasion, you may encounter a Formal Invitation that does not include a Response Card. They did not forget it. In this case, write your reply on your own formal stationery and mail it to the host(s). Simple as that!

Beyond exhibiting poor manners, not replying leaves your host(s) unsure of how to plan--something that can be quite an expensive gamble. If you do not reply, they will likely not plan for you so DO NOT DROP IN. And if you said you will be there, honor your commitment.

Make it easier on yourself by responding to the invitation as quickly as possible. That way you minimize the risk of misplacing it or, as is often the case, completely forgetting about stashing it in your "Things To Do" file!

Tip: When I receive a Wedding Invitation, I promptly reply (see above) and also put a little square on the top of the invitation. Once I send the Wedding Gift, I check the box. As I pull out the invitation to head to the wedding, if the box remains unchecked, I put the invitation in my purse as a daily reminder to send the gift.

It's beginning to look a lot like...

...Christmas, Hanukkah, and all things Holiday! Can you believe it? Thankfully local retailers are at least giving us a break by offering Special Early Bird Pricing---makes seeing Holiday Decor a whole lot more palatable! I'm trying to decide between these Page Stationery designs. They are beautifully letterpressed and so unique. I guess the decision will be made for me--if we don't get a good picture, we'll just go with the nice sentiment!

Houston Invitation Service has all kinds of Holiday Cards and Invitations (including the ones I'm eyeing from Page!) from totally distinctive to ultra traditional. And, they are on sale! I'm ready to do my part to get the economy moving! I wonder, will getting my Christmas Cards ordered early help me get them out on time? Hmmm...

Hurricane Hangover

Looking for things to keep the kids occupied while you try to get back to "normal" following our recent visit from Ike? Get a copy of 100+ Activities for Houston Kids and you'll be set! This book was written by a Houston Mom and is full of fun family ideas, kid-focused community events and even family-friendly restaurant suggestions! Be sure to check out the Kids Activity Queen Blog too---she's got tips and advice on what to do with your little ones as well as fun personal anecdotes sure to make you smile!

Here's the only Hurricane I care to see for a long, long while...Enjoy!

May I Say Who's Calling?

Calling Cards are all the rage. These cards are a great way to inject personality into your Stationery Wardrobe. And, they definitely beat handing over your personal information scribbled on the back of a Starbucks receipt! Check out this recent Time Magazine article about Calling Cards and their increasing popularity. Consider getting some cards for you, the kids, and the fam! Depending on what you have printed, these little cards could serve a dual purpose as gift enclosures---just opt for the coordinating envelope and voila! What about getting some cards made touting your cottage business---jewelry designer, personal shopper, interior decorating? Above are some different designs from William Arthur. From colored papers to the perfect font, let the inner designer in you create something totally customized and so you!

Fairy Princess Party

With all the turmoil that has surrounded Hurricane Ike, maybe it's time for a little make-believe! Fairy Princess Parties are still so popular with little girls and moms alike. I recently received a great invitation by Cid Pear Stationery. The invitation is not too cutesy and features fantastic watercolor art on textured ivory paper and a coordinating lined envelope. Unfortunately, I don't have a pic of the invitation but I did find the coordinating thank you note and it is too cute!

There are such fun accessories to really "theme out" your little one's party. Have you caught cupcake fever? Try the cupcakes at Crave and then think about getting these adorable princess cupcake wrappers by Paper Orchid.